Concerns Over Trump's Health Intensify Amid Memorial Day Appearance

President Donald Trump's health has come under fresh scrutiny following his appearance at a Memorial Day ceremony, where he was seen with bruises on his hand covered in makeup. This incident coincides with his upcoming medical examination at Walter Reed. Trump has previously attributed similar bruising to handshakes and aspirin use. Additionally, he addressed criticisms of his mental sharpness, claiming he excelled in a cognitive test. Concerns about transparency regarding his health persist, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. Read on for more insights into Trump's health status and public perceptions.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 03:21 IST

Health Scrutiny Following Memorial Day Ceremony

President Donald Trump’s health has once again become a topic of concern after he was seen with noticeable bruises on his hand, which were covered with makeup, during a Memorial Day event at Arlington National Cemetery on Monday. Close-up photos revealed that his right hand appeared to be masked with beige makeup. Additionally, Trump was observed keeping his eyes closed for a prolonged duration while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered a speech.

This incident comes just a day before Trump is set to have his fourth medical examination of his second term at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Tuesday.

Recurring Bruising Raises Eyebrows

This isn’t the first instance of Trump displaying bruises on his hands. Earlier this month, similar marks were evident during a White House event where he promoted a new prescription drug website alongside Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Makeup was also apparent during his speech at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduation.

Trump has previously attributed the bruising to frequent handshakes and his long-term use of aspirin, which he has been taking at a higher than recommended dose of 325 milligrams daily for the past 25 years.

The White House has consistently maintained that the president is in excellent health. Spokesperson Davis Ingle stated last week that Trump is “working nonstop to solve problems.”

Comments on Cognitive Tests Ignite Debate

During a recent address in New York, Trump responded to criticisms regarding his mental acuity, asserting that he “aced” a cognitive test after being labeled “dumb.” He humorously recounted telling his doctor, “They hit me with a bad one: He’s a dumb person. D-U-M, not the B.” He expressed that while he doesn’t mind being called a “brilliant total tyrant dictator,” he objects to being deemed unintelligent. Trump has often questioned the mental fitness of his predecessor, Joe Biden, while asserting that his own mental faculties remain intact.

Concerns About Medical Transparency

Trump’s upcoming visit to Walter Reed follows previous examinations, including one shortly after he assumed office last year, another in July due to swelling in his legs and ankles (diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency), and a scan in October. Some medical experts and critics have voiced concerns regarding the lack of transparency about the president’s health, especially in light of ongoing tensions related to the war with Iran. Dr. John Gartner, a former professor at Johns Hopkins, mentioned on a podcast that anyone observing could notice signs of cognitive decline, a claim that the White House has firmly denied.