Trump draws health attention after large bruise spotted on hand at Davos
US President Donald Trump has sparked public concern after a noticeable bruise was seen on his left hand while he delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
The large purple bruise was visible as the president addressed delegates on what he described as a Gaza “Board of Peace” initiative, prompting speculation about his health on social media.
According to the White House, the bruise was sustained earlier on Thursday during a signing ceremony at the forum, where President Trump reportedly struck his hand against the corner of a signing table.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while returning to Washington, DC, Trump played down the incident, insisting he was in good health.
“I clipped it on the table, so I put a little — what do they call it — cream on it. But I clipped it,” the president said.
Trump later suggested that the visibility of the bruise was worsened by aspirin, which he said he takes regularly.
“I would say take aspirin if you like your heart, don’t take aspirin if you don’t want to have a little bruising,” he remarked. “I take the big aspirin, and when you take the big aspirin, they tell you, you’ll bruise.”
He added that his doctor had advised him he did not necessarily need the medication.
“The doctor said, ‘You don’t have to take that, sir, you’re very healthy.’ I said, ‘I’m not taking any chances,’” Trump claimed. “But that’s one of the side effects of taking aspirin.”
The president’s physician, Dr Sean Barbabella, confirmed that Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily, noting that the dosage can cause increased bruising.
Aspirin is commonly prescribed to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes but is known to thin the blood, making users more susceptible to bruising.
Additional Information and Context
Medical perspective: According to the Mayo Clinic, a low-dose aspirin regimen typically ranges from 75 to 100 milligrams, with 81 milligrams being the most commonly recommended dose for heart protection. However, daily aspirin therapy can range up to 325 milligrams, depending on a patient’s medical history.
Why bruising occurs: Aspirin interferes with blood platelets, reducing clotting ability. This makes even minor impacts more likely to cause visible bruises, particularly in older adults.
Age factor: At 78, Trump falls into an age group where skin becomes thinner and blood vessels more fragile, increasing the likelihood of bruising from minor knocks.
Public scrutiny: Any visible health-related sign involving a sitting or campaigning US president tends to attract intense public and media attention, especially in high-profile international settings such as Davos.
White House stance: Officials emphasized there is no underlying medical issue and described the incident as minor, reiterating that the president remains in “excellent health.”
