Trump’s Health Scrutinized After Makeup Incident at White House

President Donald Trump drew attention on March 15, 2024, when he was seen with a noticeable layer of makeup on his right hand as he departed from the White House. This incident has raised new concerns surrounding his health, particularly given ongoing speculation about the bruising that has appeared on his hand since his return to office.

The application of makeup seemed especially heavy during his visit to The People’s House, located just down the street from the White House. This is not the first time Trump has been seen using makeup to conceal injuries. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement asserting Trump’s dedication to public service, highlighting his frequent interactions with citizens. “President Trump is a man of the people and meets more Americans, shaking hands daily, than any other president in history,” Leavitt stated.

Despite efforts to maintain transparency, the White House has been reticent when addressing questions about Trump’s health, particularly regarding his swollen ankles and the bruising on his hand. Recently, the administration confirmed that Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition commonly seen in older adults. Although this diagnosis was made public, the White House has not yet facilitated a meeting with the president’s physician, despite earlier indications that it was a possibility.

When asked last week about the availability of Trump’s doctor, Leavitt remarked it was “certainly something we can look into” and insisted there was “nothing to hide.” However, details regarding Trump’s treatment plan or lifestyle changes, such as the potential use of compression socks for his swollen ankles, have not been disclosed.

The combination of visible bruising and unanswered questions has prompted further scrutiny of the president’s overall health. Concerns regarding his mental acuity have also surfaced in both media and political discussions, driven in part by his public appearances and unusual physical behavior. Analysts have noted specific instances that raise alarms about his memory and cognitive function.

For example, during a recent interview on Fox and Friends, Trump appeared to forget the name of the Atlantic Ocean, referring to it merely as “a big, beautiful ocean.” In another incident, he mistakenly indicated that he was traveling to Russia for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, when in fact the meeting was scheduled in Alaska. Such geographical inaccuracies have intensified worries about his mental sharpness.

Former assistant professor of psychiatry at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, John Gartner, has previously commented on these concerns. He noted, “What we see are the classic signs of dementia, which is gross deterioration from someone’s baseline and function.” Gartner highlighted that Trump was once articulate and capable of expressing himself clearly, contrasting it with his current struggles to complete thoughts.

Gartner, who co-founded the organization Duty to Warn during Trump’s first presidency, suggested that mental health issues could exacerbate as time progresses. “I predicted before the election that he would probably fall off the cliff before the end of his term. And at the rate he is deteriorating, you know … we’ll see. But the point is that it’s going to get worse. That’s my prediction,” he stated.

As the nation continues to grapple with questions surrounding Trump’s health, the administration faces increasing pressure to provide clarity. Until then, the apparent discrepancies in his physical and cognitive state remain a focal point for public debate.