The toxic shadow of a US president's health has once again fallen across the political landscape, and this time the scrutiny is focusing on the 79-year-old's hands. For months, whispers about Donald Trump's physical condition have been rife, fuelled by reports of him apparently dozing off in high-stakes meetings — most recently while Secretary of State Marco Rubio was briefing him on foreign policy matters.
But it is the baffling, deep purple bruising that has appeared on the president's hands that has truly captured the public's attention, leaving the White House press operation scrambling for a credible explanation and medical experts openly scoffing at their efforts. The saga of the mysterious marks began earlier in the year. When Trump visited French President Emmanuel Macron during a state trip in February, reporters noted a distinct discoloration on his hands, which appeared to have been hastily concealed with makeup.
