It’s hardly news that something is wrong with the president’s hands. Donald Trump‘s hands have long been a subject of fascination for the nation, but especially so over his second term as strange swellings and discoloration became visible in press photos, with thick and vaguely flesh-colored makeup pasted over them.
The White House’s first tactic was to hide that there was any problem, but the poor make-up job led to so many questions that Karoline Leavitt was forced into making an official statement, saying any marks are due to being an exceptionally hard worker, saying he “meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other president in history.”
This flimsy excuse was recently questioned when it became clear that both of Trump’s hands are disfigured, meaning it’s unlikely to be the result of too much handshaking. Now, finally, we have our clearest image yet of what’s going on, and folks, it ain’t pretty:
a look at Trump's disfigured right hand as pictured yesterday by Kent Nishimura of AFP pic.twitter.com/CIgzQAnkBQ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 13, 2026
Looks like he’s going Sith Lord
Debate is now raging between regular observers, medics, and MAGA over what this depicts. Trump’s supporters are adamant that this is a perfectly normal hand for a 79-year-old man, with someone younger than him posting their own worrying-looking hand for comparison:
You should see a doctor for that.
— steven more (@stevendinsmore) May 13, 2026
Others describe it as “rotten”, or outlandishly wondering “does he have leprosy?” with one saying that this could be a result of vein collapse due to Trump’s documented chronic venous insufficiency. Another links this to a condition known as Duputren’s contracture, which can be a symptom of seizure disorder, diabetes, and alcoholism:
That looks exactly like a Dupuytren's contracture.
— Regina Phalange (@MOMof11BravoVet) May 14, 2026
It's a contracture of the ring-finger that develops with age and is often linked to seizure disorders, diabetes, and alcohol abuse. pic.twitter.com/ad9VEAJnTJ
We know Trump is teetotal so it’s not alcohol related, but I suppose his famous junk food consumption means there’s a chance he could be diabetic (or prediabetic) and keeping it under wraps.
But the most accurate diagnosis is also the most obvious: “Guys, he’s just old“. Trump is weeks away from his 80th birthday, has lived an extremely unhealthy lifestyle for decades, and works a notoriously demanding job (arguably a little too demanding given that he keeps falling asleep in public).
It’d be miraculous if he wasn’t falling apart. Some day, the truth of Trump’s health will undoubtedly emerge, but until then, we can only guess. Next week he’s due for a doctor’s examination, but don’t expect any answers there, as you can guarantee the official report will state that he’s practically an Olympian with the stamina of a man half his age.
