Speculation Grows Over Trump’s Health as Bandaged Hand Prompts Questions, But Evidence Remains Absent

Images of former President Donald J. Trump appearing with large bandages on the back of his right hand have triggered a new wave of public speculation about his health, spotlighting longstanding concerns over the administration’s limited medical transparency. The White House has offered shifting explanations, attributing the markings to bruising from “vigorous handshakes” and the use of aspirin — statements that have done little to quell scrutiny.

The appearance of visible bruising, first noted several weeks ago, intensified after Mr. Trump was seen attempting to obscure the area with makeup before later resorting to prominent bandages. These efforts, rather than silencing conjecture, have instead fueled additional questions about what the former president may be seeking to conceal.

Some commentators and a small number of elected officials have suggested that the bandages could be covering marks from intravenous infusions, speculating — without evidence — that he may be receiving treatment for early-stage Alzheimer’s disease. One theory circulating widely online references Leqembi, a recently approved medication requiring periodic IV administration and routine MRI monitoring. Medical experts caution, however, that there is no documentation linking Mr. Trump to the drug or to any diagnosis of dementia.

“What we have right now is conjecture, not confirmed medical information,” said one neurologist unaffiliated with the administration. “A bandage on someone’s hand is not, on its own, evidence of IV treatment or cognitive illness.”

The speculation has grown partly because of increasingly frequent moments in public appearances where Mr. Trump appears fatigued, struggles to finish sentences, or loses his train of thought. Supporters attribute these lapses to exhaustion brought on by a heavy travel schedule and reduced sleep. Critics argue they reflect a decline in clarity and language that warrants further disclosure.

Screenings and detailed medical reports — standard for modern presidents — have been sparse. The White House has routinely issued only short statements after medical evaluations, often delayed and lacking comprehensive detail. That opacity stands in contrast to past administrations, which typically released full physician summaries and made doctors available for questions.

The absence of information has allowed speculation to flourish, including theories about mini-strokes, sleep-related cognitive impairment, and medication side effects. While none are supported by confirmed medical findings, experts say the climate of uncertainty is unsurprising.

“When transparency is limited, rumors inevitably fill the void,” said a former White House medical adviser. “The public expects clarity regarding the health of a president or former president, especially one who remains active in political life.”

Mr. Trump, 79, has a family history that includes dementia-related illnesses, making questions about cognitive health medically understandable, though not determinative. Age alone, physicians note, increases the likelihood of conditions affecting memory, speech, and motor function — another reason many are calling for more detailed reporting.

For now, the bandages remain unexplained. Without medical records or direct statements from treating physicians, experts emphasize that definitive conclusions cannot be drawn. Still, the conversation is unlikely to fade.

“As long as the disclosures remain vague,” the adviser said, “the speculation will continue. Transparency is the only way to end it.”