WASHINGTON: Trump’s hand bruises, visible during his July 16 primetime address, renewed scrutiny of the US president’s health, while his doctor has linked the marks to aspirin use and frequent handshaking.
Photographs from the White House East Room appeared to show discolouration on the backs of President Donald Trump’s hands. Makeup also appeared to cover parts of the affected areas.
The 80-year-old president delivered the address at 9 p.m. EDT on Thursday, or 6 a.m. PKT on Friday. His speech focused mainly on US election laws and claims about the 2020 presidential election. The White House published a video of the address.
A May 29 report from White House physician Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella noted bruising on Trump’s hands. It described the marks as common and benign and attributed them to aspirin use combined with frequent handshaking.
The physician’s report declared Trump in “excellent health” after an examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Centre. It also recorded a perfect score on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and said slight swelling in his lower legs had improved.
Read: Trump Health Update: President Set For Walter Reed Exam
The White House previously disclosed that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a condition associated with leg swelling. No medical evidence released by the administration has linked the hand bruising to a more serious condition.