At a Glance
- President Donald Trump, 79, photographed with a new bruise on his left hand at the World Economic Forum.
- White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt cites a table corner injury.
- Medical staff say the bruise aligns with aspirin use and frequent handshaking.
- Trump’s own comments link bruises to higher aspirin doses.
President Donald Trump, 79, appeared at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026 with a noticeably large bruise on his left hand. The bruising, visible beneath his pointer and middle fingers, had previously been documented on his right hand since February of the same year. The new injury has reignited speculation among observers and the press.
Bruises Become the Talk of the Forum
During the signing ceremony for the newly announced “Board of Peace,” a series of photographs captured the swelling on Trump’s left hand. Multiple angles from the event showed a rounded bruise that was clearly distinct from the earlier right-hand bruises. The incident coincided with the president’s participation in a high-profile meeting with world leaders, where he was expected to shake hands frequently.
The World Economic Forum, known for gathering global leaders, provided a platform where Trump’s physical appearance was under close scrutiny. The timing of the bruise-just days after his appearance in Washington for a policy briefing-added to the public’s curiosity. Social media users posted images and captions, prompting the White House to respond.
White House Defenses
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the question of the bruise early in the week. She first suggested that the president’s “constant working and handshaking” were responsible for the discoloration, describing him as “a man of the people” whose commitment was unwavering.
On January 22, Leavitt provided a new explanation, stating, “At the Board of Peace event today in Davos, President Trump hit his hand in the corner of the signing table, causing it to bruise.” The statement was made to a CBS News reporter and aimed to dispel the handshaking theory that had been circulating.
Leavitt’s comments came after a prior statement from White House physician Sean Barbabella in July 2025, who wrote that the bruises were “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
Medical Insight
The medical explanation for Trump’s bruises ties back to his aspirin regimen. On August 25, 2025, a photograph of a bruise on his right hand was published, reinforcing the pattern of discoloration. Barbabella’s note clarified that aspirin, while beneficial for heart health, can increase bleeding risk, especially when combined with the mechanical impact of handshaking.
The White House’s medical staff emphasized that the bruising was not indicative of any serious injury but rather a side effect of medication and routine interactions. They highlighted that Trump’s heart condition is monitored closely, and aspirin is part of his preventive care.
Trump’s Own Words
Trump himself addressed the topic of aspirin in a profile for The Wall Street Journal on January 1, 2026. In the article titled “As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance,” he admitted that the bruises were a result of taking a higher dose of aspirin than his doctors advised because he is “superstitious.”
He explained, “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?” The statement underscored his belief that a higher dose would protect his heart, despite medical recommendations.
The WSJ profile also mentioned an incident involving his then-attorney general Pam Bondi at the 2024 Republican National Convention. Bondi allegedly gave him a high-five while wearing a ring, which caused a minor cut on his hand. Trump noted that he began applying makeup whenever he was “whacked again by someone.”
Timeline of Bruises
| Date | Event | Hand Affected | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 2025 | First documented bruise | Right | Visible under makeup |
| August 25, 2025 | Photograph shows bruise | Right | Confirmed by photo |
| January 1, 2026 | WSJ profile | Not specified | Trump explains aspirin use |
| January 22, 2026 | World Economic Forum | Left | Large bruise from table corner |
Key Takeaways
- The president’s bruises have been a recurring visual element in the media for the past year.
- The White House attributes the new bruise to an accidental impact at a signing table, not handshaking.
- Medical staff confirm the bruises align with aspirin use and handshaking, but not a serious health issue.
- Trump’s own statements link the bruises to a higher aspirin dosage he believes protects his heart.
- Social media and news outlets continue to scrutinize the president’s physical condition during high-profile events.
The ongoing attention to President Donald Trump’s bruised hands reflects a broader public interest in the health and habits of a prominent political figure. While the bruises appear to be a minor, medication-related side effect, the narrative surrounding them demonstrates how quickly personal health details can become a focal point in political discourse.
