Trump’s Makeup-Enhanced Hand Sparks Health Concerns After Visit

Donald Trump’s right hand, visibly enhanced with makeup, drew attention during his recent visit to the Federal Reserve headquarters on July 13, 2023. Photographers captured a noticeable patch of thick concealer on the back of the president’s dominant hand, reigniting discussions about his longstanding discomfort with handshaking.

The makeup application follows earlier claims from the White House that it was used to conceal bruising resulting from a workplace injury attributed to frequent handshakes. This raises eyebrows given Trump’s well-documented germaphobia. When approached for comment by the Daily Beast, Trump’s representatives denied any medical issues related to the bruising.

In a statement dated July 15, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized Trump’s engagement with the public, asserting, “President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history.” Leavitt characterized his commitment as unwavering, maintaining that he demonstrates this daily.

On July 17, Leavitt acknowledged that Trump’s recent health concerns, including a bruised hand and swollen ankles, prompted an evaluation from the White House medical unit. She noted, “In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”

The evaluation revealed that the 79-year-old president suffers from Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). This condition impedes blood flow, complicating the return of blood to the heart. The White House attributed the bruising on Trump’s hand to “tissue damage from frequent handshaking” while he is on a regimen of aspirin for cardiovascular health.

The Daily Beast has reached out for further information regarding Trump’s health and the specific makeup products used on his hand.

Trump’s Complex Relationship With Handshaking

Despite his political career necessitating frequent handshakes, Trump has expressed a deep-seated aversion to this common greeting. In his 1997 book, *The Art of the Comeback*, he described handshaking as one of the “curses of American society.” Trump even contemplated promoting newspaper advertisements advocating for the abolishment of the handshake, stating that as one becomes more successful, this “terrible custom” becomes even more pronounced.

He further elaborated on his disdain in a 1999 interview with the New York Times, calling the handshake “barbaric” in the context of modern society. Trump’s comments highlighted his discomfort with the greeting, suggesting it could contribute to illness. He remarked, “After shaking someone’s hand, there is no way I would eat bread,” emphasizing the health risks he associates with the act.

In a world where handshaking is a sign of connection and goodwill, Trump’s perspective serves as a fascinating insight into the complexities of his character. His mixed feelings about this social norm, combined with his recent health concerns, underscore the unique challenges faced by a public figure navigating the dual demands of personal hygiene and political engagement.