At 79 years old, former U.S. President Donald Trump remains one of the oldest individuals to seek or hold presidential office. While he and his team insist he’s in excellent shape, new photos and recurring online speculation continue to draw public interest — especially when it comes to signs of aging.
Recent appearances have shown bruising and wrinkling on Trump’s hands, fueling conversation both online and in the press. Although White House medical staff have cleared him as physically and cognitively fit for leadership, some observers remain curious about what these visual details may reveal.
What the Medical Reports Actually Say
In April 2024, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, released a medical summary that declared the former president in “robust health,” citing normal scans of his cardiovascular, neurological, and general physical functions. The report also confirmed a colonoscopy that identified a benign polyp and mild diverticulitis — both manageable and common in adults over 70.
In addition, Trump was reported to be taking several prescriptions, including cholesterol medication, a heart-protective therapy, and a topical cream for a skin condition. Cataract surgery was also listed among past procedures.
Overall, the report painted a picture of a man in good health for his age — active, mobile, and mentally alert.
The Bruising on His Hands: Handshakes or Something Else?
Despite the reassuring medical assessment, some recent public images of Trump have raised questions. Photos taken during court appearances, political events, and even international meetings have shown apparent bruising on his right hand — leading to speculation about their cause.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt attributed the marks to frequent handshaking: “President Trump greets more Americans daily than perhaps any president in history,” she said. “The wear and tear on his hands is simply the result of constant engagement with the public.”
Trump echoed this explanation himself in a 2024 interview with Time Magazine, linking the bruising to “thousands of handshakes.”
However, experts note that hand bruising in older adults isn’t uncommon and can result from more than just physical interaction.
Expert Insight: Age-Related Skin Changes Could Be the Cause
Dr. Ola Otulana, a UK-based general practitioner, provided an outside medical perspective on the marks. Speaking to Economic Times, he suggested the bruising looked like a superficial contusion — likely caused by minor impact, pressure, or even medical procedures such as a blood draw.
“As skin becomes thinner with age, and blood vessels more fragile, bruising can occur more easily,” Dr. Otulana explained. “This doesn’t indicate a serious issue unless accompanied by other symptoms.”
He added that individuals on blood thinners, aspirin, or similar medications are more prone to such markings, and that in Trump’s case, there’s no immediate cause for concern.
Is He Wearing a Catheter? Viral Image Sparks New Theory
Adding fuel to the fire, a photograph from a recent UFC event showed Trump with what some interpreted as a visible outline down one pant leg — prompting speculation about whether he might be wearing a catheter.
One viral post speculated: “That’s not a crease. That’s tubing. Possibly a Foley catheter.” Others disagreed, insisting it was simply a sharply pressed trouser line and noting that Foley catheters are generally reserved for post-surgical use, not everyday wear.
At nearly 80 years old, Donald Trump is subject to the same natural aging process as anyone else. Wrinkled hands, bruising, and even occasional balance concerns are not necessarily signs of illness — and according to his doctors, he remains medically fit.