Donald Trump’s hand was visibly smeared with heavy makeup as he addressed the White House Congressional Ball last night, reigniting speculation about the 79-year-old president’s health. The White House has long attributed the bruising often seen on his hands to vigorous handshakes, but the visible makeup has prompted fresh questions.
Mr Trump has previously fuelled conspiracy theories by admitting to having an MRI scan, discussing going to heaven, and boasting about his cognitive test results. The White House has not commented on why his hand was heavily coated in makeup during the event.
In his speech, the president wished attendees a “Merry Christmas” and “Happy Hanukkah” before launching into a defence of his record, claiming $18 trillion in investment and taking a swipe at former President Joe Biden. On social media, many users focused on the makeup-smeared hand, with one joking that he must have shaken everyone’s hand repeatedly.
Earlier this week, Mr Trump branded The New York Times “seditious” over an op-ed suggesting his energy had declined. He later posted on Truth Social that no other president had “worked as hard as me.”
The president has also been observed appearing to fall asleep in meetings, notably during an announcement by Dr Mehmet Oz. California Governor Gavin Newsom nicknamed him “The Nodfather” and “Dozy Don.” The White House countered that Mr Trump spoke several times during the event in question.
