,Washington, D.C., August 25, 2025
News Summary
A public figure seen with bruises on his hands during recent events has sparked conversations about the implications for both health and golf. While explanations have been offered regarding typical aging processes and medication effects, the unusual location of the bruises has led many in the golf community to question whether they are related to the sport. Observers are urged to approach such signs with curiosity rather than panic, leading to broader discussions about health vigilance in public figures.
Washington, D.C.
Bruised Hands, Big Questions: What golf fans and observers are talking about
If you follow golf chatter and White House walkthroughs, the last few days delivered a strange crossover story. A well-known 79-year-old public figure showed up in photos and on camera with visible bruising on his right hand, and later images suggested marks on the left hand too. The blemishes were made more noticeable by heavy makeup, which only amplified public attention and sparked everything from polite concern to full-blown viral speculation.
From the golf course perspective, a lot of eyeballs went straight to the clubs. Fans and commentators asked whether an aggressive swing, a specific grip, or long weekends on the links could explain the marks. But a number of golfers pushed back on that idea, pointing out that typical golf calluses and wear show up on the palm and along the fingers, not on the back of the hand where these bruises were seen. That simple detail shifted the conversation away from swings and toward other explanations.
Official response and medical context
The administration offered an explanation that the bruising was likely due to frequent handshakes combined with routine use of aspirin as part of a cardiovascular prevention plan. Outside experts also noted that bruising becomes more common as people age because skin thins and blood vessels get more fragile. Another health detail that surfaced is a documented diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, a circulation condition that can cause swelling and make the limbs more prone to bruising.
Those combined factors—age-related skin changes, a circulation issue, and medication that can increase bruising tendency—are enough for doctors and clinicians to consider the marks medically plausible. Still, images of a large bruise while signing official papers in the Oval Office raised red flags for many observers who expected either a clearer explanation or additional medical detail.
Rumors, social media, and golf lore
Social feeds ran the gamut from jokey takes to serious health questions. One thread of speculation suggested intravenous treatments because of perceived low energy during recent appearances. That idea picked up steam in some corners, though it remained unconfirmed. Meanwhile, the golf community focused on mechanics and gear. One golfer explained that genuine golf-related calluses sit on the palms and often in predictable spots tied to grip position, which did not match the location of these bruises. That perspective reassured many players that the marks were unlikely to be caused by ordinary golfing activity.
Amid the noise, the figure at the center of the story posted about a recent round with a former big-league pitcher and pressed for that pitcher’s Hall of Fame recognition, sidestepping direct comment on health matters. The mix of golfing content and health silence only pushed more people to read tea leaves about stamina, age, and fitness for official duties.
What golf fans should take from this
As someone who writes about golf for people who actually care about swing nuance and club care, the most useful takeaway is simple: hand marks on the back of the hand usually point away from grip-related problems, and toward other causes. If you see a fellow player with bruises in that area, the right moves are curiosity and concern, not immediate diagnosis. Encourage rest, suggest a check-in with a health professional if bruising is new or unexplained, and don’t assume the course or the swing is to blame.
From a public-lives perspective, visible health signs—especially on leaders who are older—tend to trigger both legitimate questions about fitness and a lot of loud, unverified speculation. The current explanation cites handshake-related irritation, aspirin, and an existing circulatory condition as likely contributors. Whether that fully satisfies the public won’t be clear until more medical context is offered or until the marks resolve.
Bottom line for the 19th hole
Golfers are practical: they look at where a mark is, what the hands feel like, and what the player reports. In this case, the location of the bruises and the broader medical backdrop make a non-golf cause more likely. Still, when you see something unexpected on a playing partner, the clubhouse rule applies—ask, be kind, and if it’s worrying, suggest a pro’s opinion rather than swapping theories that can do more harm than good.
FAQ
- Why did the bruises cause so much attention?
- Visible bruises on the hands of a public figure tend to draw attention because they are easily photographed and can suggest larger health questions, especially when appearances show low energy.
- Could the bruises come from playing golf?
- Most golf-related wear and calluses appear on the palm and along gripping fingers, not on the back of the hand. Several golfers noted this mismatch, making a golf cause less likely based on the bruise location.
- What are other plausible medical explanations?
- Age-related thinning of the skin, fragile blood vessels, chronic venous insufficiency, and use of aspirin or similar medications can all increase bruising. Frequent handshaking can add minor soft tissue irritation on fragile skin.
- Should fans be worried about overall fitness to perform duties?
- Visible bruises alone are not a definitive measure of overall fitness. They are one data point. Ongoing public concern often prompts calls for clearer medical information from official channels.
- What should golfers do if they notice similar marks on a playing partner?
- Be considerate. Ask if they are okay and encourage seeking medical advice if bruises are new, unexplained, or accompanied by other symptoms.
Quick reference table for golf-minded readers
Topic | What to look for | Golf-relevant note |
---|---|---|
Bruise location | Back of the hand vs palm | Golf calluses usually show on the palm and fingers, not the back |
Common causes | Age-related thinning, fragile vessels, medications like aspirin, circulation issues | Not typically caused by normal swing mechanics |
When to suggest medical advice | New unexplained bruising, sudden worsening, accompanying symptoms | Better to recommend a check-up than offer a diagnosis |
On-course etiquette | Ask politely, offer help if needed | Players respond better to concern than conjecture |
End of report from a golf writer who watches the game and the sidelines. Keep your grip steady, your questions kind, and your eyes on the ball—and the bigger picture—when it comes to health signs in public figures.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Federal Halt on Revolution Wind Project Causes Stir in Rhode Island
The Who Announces Final North American Farewell Tour Stop in Boston
Weston’s Leo J. Martin Golf Course Faces Major Upgrades
Miami Championship Joins PGA Tour as a New Signature Event
Stamford Celebrates Sports Highlights with Golf Triumphs
Weston Golf Course Ranked Worst in the U.S.
Three Massachusetts Golf Courses Ranked Among the Worst
Beach House Spa Recognized Among Top Hotel Spas
July Sports Betting in Massachusetts Shows Year-on-Year Growth
Lowell High School Class of 1969 Reunion at Mt. Pleasant
Additional Resources
- The Daily Beast: Trump Soothes Bruised Hand
- The Mirror: Donald Trump’s Bruise
- HuffPost: Trump’s Bruise
- BBC News: Health Concerns
- Google Search: Donald Trump Health Concerns

Author: STAFF HERE BOSTON WRITER
BOSTON STAFF WRITER The BOSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBoston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Boston, Suffolk County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Boston Marathon, Head of the Charles Regatta, and Boston Harborfest. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Massachusetts, plus leading businesses in finance, biotech, and insurance that power the local economy such as Fidelity Investments, Biogen, and Liberty Mutual Insurance. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Massachusetts's dynamic landscape.