• By Sakshi Srivastava
  • Thu, 17 Jul 2025 01:31 PM (IST)
  • Source:JND
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US President Donald Trump was seen attending the FIFA Club World Cup finals at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey last weekend, alongside his wife, Melania Trump. While seated in the VIP box, spectators and photographers noted visible bruising on his hand and a swollen right ankle—markings that were hard to ignore.

This isn’t the first time the bruise has been noticed. The same discoloration appeared in official White House photos taken last month in the War Room. Trump was flanked by Vice President J.D. Vance, Senator Marco Rubio, and military advisors following a strike on Iranian nuclear sites. The mark was clearly visible in those images, reigniting curiosity about its cause.

According to a report by The Daily Beast, the blemish resurfaced on Tuesday when Trump spoke to reporters outside the White House. This time, the area appeared to be covered with flesh-toned makeup, raising further questions about whether it was being deliberately concealed. Photographs from as far back as December also captured the bruise—once during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron about the war in Ukraine, and another time during a public holiday appearance.

The White House has attempted to quell growing speculation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed the concern, saying, “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.” Trump himself offered an explanation to The Times last December, attributing the bruise to his routine engagements. “It’s from shaking hands with thousands of people,” he said, dismissing any further concern.

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Yet, online discourse suggests a section of the public remains unconvinced. Speculation has ranged from circulation issues to more serious illnesses. Some have even recalled past instances of odd bulges in Trump’s clothing, which prompted baseless rumours of a catheter—claims that were never substantiated.

Health professionals, meanwhile, advise caution when encountering recurring or unexplained symptoms. Dr. Mahesh Agarwal, an interventional cardiologist at Manipal Hospital, Bhubaneshwar, told HT Lifestyle, “The body often sends out early distress signals, and ignoring them could delay crucial diagnoses. Symptoms like swollen ankles, unexplained bruises, or a persistent limp may appear minor, but they could be the body’s way of signalling something more serious beneath the surface.” He added, “While occasional swelling or bruising may be harmless, recurring or unexplained symptoms deserve attention. A timely medical evaluation can help uncover underlying causes and prevent complications. Your body whispers before it screams — listen early.”

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Explaining potential causes of ankle swelling, Dr. Agarwal said, “Mild ankle swelling can occur after prolonged standing, sitting, or during pregnancy. However, persistent or worsening swelling might signal fluid retention from heart failure, kidney disease, or chronic venous insufficiency. Inflammatory conditions like arthritis, or even blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), can also cause localised swelling, often with pain and redness.”