HEALTHDonald Trump, 80, Sports Multiple Bruises on His Arm During Recent Golf Outing Amid Mounting Health Concerns
Donald Trump's hand bruising has now extended to his arm.
Aug. 10 2026, Published 3:12 p.m. ET
President Donald Trump sparked fresh health speculation after photographs from a Saturday, August 8, golf outing in Bedminster, N.J, revealed heavy, extensive bruising and marks across his forearms. He also sported Band-Aids on his right hand.
The 80-year-old president was attending a LIV Golf tournament at his Trump National club when he was photographed in a golf cart wearing a short-sleeved polo shirt, exposing multiple bruises of varying sizes and colors.
While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt blamed previous hand bruising on a rigorous schedule of frequent hand-shaking, the spread of the marks up his arms has drawn closer medical and public scrutiny.
The POTUS' Doctor Brushed Off the Bruising
Donald Trump was seen with bruises on his hand and arm on August 8.
Trump has personally defended his health by attributing the skin discoloration to a heavy daily dose of aspirin, which thins his blood. Independent medical experts and his official physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, agree that benign bruising is a well-known side effect of regular aspirin therapy in older adults.
The elderly POTUS was previously diagnosed with mild chronic venous insufficiency, a condition impacting blood circulation in the limbs that can exacerbate swelling and bruising.
Despite online speculation, the White House maintains that Trump remains in excellent health, calling him energetic and sharp.
Donald Trump Shared a Photoshopped Picture of Himself
The POTUS shared an edited photo of himself in a golf cart with Gary Player.
The weekend outing generated additional internet attention after Trump shared a highly edited, seemingly AI-altered photo on social media of driving golf legend Gary Player.
Observers noted that the digitally smoothed image conveniently omitted the prominent forearm bruises, scrapes and finger bandages that were clearly visible in the original, unedited press photographs.
Some independent doctors have suggested that deep purple bruising concentrated on the back of the hand is more characteristic of repeated intravenous (IV) access.
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The president was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
They speculate it could indicate a medical team administering intravenous diuretics to treat his documented leg swelling, rather than simple bruising from a handshake.
Cardiologist Dr. Jonathan Reiner publicly noted that if a patient's daily aspirin routine is causing severe skin bleeding or cosmetic bruising, the standard medical response is to reduce the dose — making the administration's continued defense of the high dose an unusual clinical choice.
Observers and journalists have also noted a visible drop in his physical energy during travel.
The president hit back at claims he's fallen asleep during meeting, saying he was just 'relaxing.'
Trump has increasingly opted for seated events over traditional standing rallies and has been observed mouth-breathing and straining heavily after short walks.
Video footage from public briefings and trials has frequently captured the president closing his eyes for extended periods or struggling to stay awake.
The octogenarian president publicly dismissed these reports, claiming he was "relaxing" rather than sleeping.
