Donald Trump’s right hand drew attention during a Veterans Day appearance. The president appeared to have a fresh bruise and visible swelling. The mark stood out as he took part in the Arlington National Cemetery ceremony.
Donald Trump’s right hand appears bruised during the Veterans Day ceremony
The moment came as Vice President JD Vance and others onstage bowed their heads in prayer. Donald Trump kept his hands positioned differently, placing one over the other and looking across the crowd. Later, as he saluted, a dark mark remained visible on his right hand. Independent journalist Aaron Rupar pointed it out in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as “a nasty bruise.”
The White House has previously attributed the recurring bruises to Trump’s frequent handshakes and his daily aspirin intake. The administration said he takes 325 milligrams a day, a dosage it described as higher than recommended, and has done so for 25 years. Officials have also defended the president’s handshaking, saying he meets and greets more “Americans than any other president in history” (via The Daily Beast).
Trump also has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition the White House disclosed last July. It can make it harder for blood to travel back toward the heart and may cause swelling in the legs and ankles. Trump has acknowledged trying compression socks but said he disliked wearing them. He has instead tried to avoid remaining seated for extended periods.
Trump also took a moment to shower Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with praise, calling his work “fantastic.” Hegseth attended the ceremony just hours after escaping an impeachment push the previous night.
The president remained lively throughout his speech, a contrast to earlier public appearances where he reportedly appeared to nod off. One such incident allegedly happened during a Pentagon memorial marking the Sept. 11 attacks.
