During a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday, March 2, photos showed a red, rash-like area on the right side of Trump’s neck. The irritation ran from behind his ear to the back of his hairline.
White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella explained: “President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor.”
He added, “The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.” Barbabella did not explain why the cream was prescribed.
The president’s right-hand bruise was also visible during the ceremony, though partially covered by makeup. Trump, 79, has been photographed multiple times since last February with a large bruise on that hand. Some photos show makeup over it, others reveal the discoloration clearly.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed earlier speculation about the right-hand bruises: “President Trump has bruises on his hand because he’s constantly working and shaking hands all day every day.”
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“President Trump is a man of the people,” she added. “His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”
In July 2025, Barbabella provided more details about Trump’s bruising after he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which causes swelling in the legs. He said it was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
Trump has also blamed the bruising on his aspirin use, which he takes in higher doses than recommended. In a January 2026 Wall Street Journal interview, he explained: “They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart. I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
The left-hand bruise has caught people’s notice too. At the World Economic Forum in Davos in late January, Trump was photographed with a large bruise on his left hand instead of his right. Leavitt explained: “At the Board of Peace event today in Davos, President Trump hit his hand in the corner of the signing table, causing it to bruise.”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
