White House finally reveals why Trump keeps showing up with bandages on his hands, but the explanation is only raising more questions

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt finally explained why President Donald Trump keeps showing up with bandages on his hands. She gave two reasons during a press conference this week after Trump visited Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania. According to Leavitt, the bandages have nothing to do with any injury.

Trump’s hands have gotten a lot of attention since he returned to office. People have noticed bruises and bandages several times over the past few months. He was seen with two Band-Aids on his hand during a Cabinet meeting earlier this month. According to Unilad, the bandages also showed up on his right hand during the Mount Pocono rally.

A reporter pressed Leavitt directly about the bandages during the briefing, asking why she continued to appear with them. Leavitt noted that the White House had already addressed the issue in previous statements, but she went on to offer two specific explanations anyway, hoping to put the matter to rest.

The handshaking and aspirin theory doesn’t really add up

The first reason Leavitt gave was unexpected. She said Trump wears Band-Aids because he shakes hands constantly. “The Oval Office is like Grand Central Terminal. He is meeting with more people than any of you even know about on a daily basis,” she explained. 

But that explanation seems odd. Most people shake hands regularly without needing Band-Aids for it. The White House has been working to counter misinformation lately, but this particular explanation left many confused. Leavitt then added a medical detail that might make more sense. She said Trump is on a daily aspirin regimen, which can cause bruising.

Aspirin is a blood thinner, so it makes sense that it could lead to easy bruising. But the combination of these two explanations still raises questions. People usually put Band-Aids on cuts, not bruises.

Journalists tried to ask follow-up questions, but Leavitt quickly shut them down and moved on to a different topic. The public also expressed confusion on social media. Many people pointed out that bruises don’t normally require bandages.

On December 1, Trump’s White House physician released a memo saying the 79-year-old “remains in excellent overall health” after a full physical exam. This isn’t the first time the White House addressed questions about documentation involving the president. But without a clearer explanation about why Band-Aids are needed for bruising, Trump’s hands will likely keep making headlines.

Democrats have repeatedly questioned Trump’s health and his fitness to lead, but Trump and most Republicans have brushed those concerns aside.