The White House released its official Christmas photo this week, presenting the president alongside the traditional holiday decorations. The message posted with the image read, “We are saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again,” signaling a return to a familiar political theme.
Viewers who examined the picture closely noticed that President Trump’s right hand looked unusual. The skin tone appeared uneven and did not match the rest of his arm. The surface looked heavily covered with makeup, and the shape suggested that a bandage might be underneath.
“We’re saying MERRY CHRISTMAS again!” – @POTUS 🎄🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/TcfyP5h5Uc
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) December 1, 2025
The mismatch in color made the hand stand out sharply, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms.
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One X user asked if he got his makeup “at a funeral home.” Others said the bandages and makeup show deeper problems and hint at what might be coming from his administration. Some joked it looked like a child had put on the makeup, questioning why no professional was involved.
This particular image gained more significance once the Tuesday Cabinet meeting took place. The Christmas photo had been released before the meeting, and many people who had already noticed the unusual appearance of the hand were paying close attention to Trump’s next public appearance. Their concerns were reinforced when new images emerged from the Cabinet room.
During the meeting, Trump kept his hands beneath the table during most remarks. When he did lift them, cameras captured two large adhesive bandages on the same hand that appeared altered in the Christmas photo. These bandages were visible enough to raise questions about the extent of the injury. A Getty photographer documented the moment Trump touched his face, fully exposing the dressings.
This confirmation shifted the public conversation. The Christmas photo, once viewed as a minor curiosity, was now seen as part of a broader pattern.
Throughout the year, Trump has often positioned objects or his left hand in ways that obscured the right hand from view. On several occasions, makeup was noticeable on that hand, and earlier photographs from both domestic and international events showed repeated bruising.
The White House has issued various explanations. Officials have cited irritation from frequent handshaking, aspirin use, and age related vein issues. None of these statements have reduced public interest, mainly because the appearance of the hand continues to change and the attempts to conceal it have become increasingly visible.
Featured image via X screengrab
