Topics: Politics, Health, Donald Trump, Social Media, Conspiracy Theories, US News
Concerns for the US President's health continue to swirl after 'new marks' have apparently appeared on his hand, just days after the White House put rumors to bed.
On Monday (February 24), eagle-eyed viewers spotted what looked like a nasty yellow bruise on the president's right hand while he met the French President, Emmanuel Macron, in the Oval Office.
Viewers took to social media to query the suspicious bruise with many growing concerned that the 78-year-old had a health issue, requiring an IV drip or blood test.
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However, White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said the marks were signs the president has simply been busy at work, shaking hands.
Now, two new dark marks have reportedly appeared on the palm of his right hand as of Monday (March 3).
While announcing a $100 billion investment in the US from the world's largest chips manufacturer - the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co - from the White House, the president gestured with his hands which showed he had a mark about the heart line in his palm and another below the head line.
The yellowed bruise on the back of his palm from last week was still visible.
Leavitt said in a statement about the mysterious bruise: "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.
"His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day."
She hammered home the point in a follow-up: "President Trump has bruises on his hand because he's constantly working and shaking hands all day every day."
While some admitted they weren't convinced by the explanation, others said they didn’t think the bruise was anything American citizens should be worried about, given his age.
It's also not the first time Trump has had marks on his hands, reports the Metro, as the president gave a similar explanation when bruises were spotted on his outer right hand in December.
He also had visible marks in August and November last year, the outlet added.
In response to the statement, one person on Twitter wrote: "Why even lie? It's obviously an IV bruise for blood testing or something. Is it a surprise to people that Trump is old and gets regular physician visits?"
"It looks like IV bruises," dozens of others said as many said they have similar marks after having their blood taken.
"He's in is 70s," wrote another. "Older people bruise easily. This isn't some huge conspiracy."
A fourth added: "Not uncommon in elders. If he's on blood thinners that increases bruising. Could easily happen with a draw for labs or an IV or just hitting his hand accidentally on something."
Others, however, pointed out the president does have a rather vigorous technique when it comes to shaking hands.
As reported in the Washington Post in 2017, Peter W Stevenson documented several 'intense' handshakes with world leaders and US officials.
He wrote: "Whether it's just habit, or a way of asserting his power, Trump has a habit of pulling forcefully on the hand he's shaking."
