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Visible Bruises Spark
Trump appeared at the Easter Egg Roll with a visibly swollen and discolored right hand.
“Trump with pronounced bruising on his right hand, prompting renewed scrutiny”
Social media amplified images and speculation grew after a several-day absence from public view.
Unconfirmed rumors circulated that Trump had been hospitalized at Walter Reed.
The White House issued a firm denial, calling such claims conspiracy theories.
White House Pushback
The White House pushed back aggressively against health rumors.
Trump was photographed at his golf club the previous day, an outing his opponents seized upon.
Medical experts said occasional bruising can result from frequent handshakes or minor injury.
The recurring nature of the bruises and Trump's advancing age fueled uncertainty.
Historical Scrutiny
Trump's health has been a subject of scrutiny since the start of his second term.
“Trump's physician has attributed the bruising on his hands to frequent handshaking combined with a cardiovascular prevention aspirin regimen”
The White House attributed the bruising to frequent handshaking and an aspirin regimen.
The public tends to focus on what is visible.
Trump's Easter Egg Roll appearance was the first extended public view after five silent days.