Donald Trump is sharper than he was in the year 2000. At least, that’s what he claimed in a cabinet meeting before falling asleep and showing off two plasters on the back of his hand.
Photos of Trump’s hands at the meeting have also sparked discussion online after he was spotted wearing two bandages.
Beginning the meeting, he slammed the New York Times for its coverage of his administration, remarking: ‘Trump is sharp, they’re not sharp.’
Shortly after, his eyes were seen struggling to stay open as members of his cabinet took turns speaking.
In his first year back in office, Trump has fallen asleep a few times during conferences.
In July, he was seen struggling to stay awake while Medicare administrator Dr Mehmet Oz began talking about healthcare.
And in May, he fell asleep with his mouth open as a star witness took the stand during his hush money trial.
After he woke up, attention shifted to his hands, when Trump began scratching his face next to Defence Chief Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Since retaking office in January, attention has been drawn to the Commander-in-Chief’s hands.
In February, a large bruise appeared on the back of Trump’s right hand as he sat with his hands folded while meeting French President Emmanuel Macron.
Some have speculated the bruise could have been from IV infusions, thin skin, blood thinners, or the president’s old age.
In other appearances, it was reported that he attempted to hide bruising on the back of his hand with concealer.
When asked by reporters about Trump’s hand, the White House insisted it was because of frequent handshaking.
‘This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,’ Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, has said.
Earlier this week, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump’s MRI scan results were ‘perfectly normal’ after intense speculation about why he had the procedure.
Trump has boasted about his health for years, at one point claiming he was ‘healthier than Obama’, who is 15 years younger than him.
Earlier this year, White House physician Sean Barbabella released a memo on Trump’s health, finding he was in excellent health.
On the memo, it was noted he had ‘well-controlled’ hypercholesterolemia (high cholesterol), diverticulosis and actinic keratosis (dry patches of skin).
It added that he takes two medications for cholesterol, an aspirin each day for cardiac health, and cream for his skin conditions as needed.
What health issues can lead to bruising on the hands as people age?
A variety of conditions and medications can cause bruising on the back of the hands in old age.
Thinning and frail skin due to ageing means less protection for blood vessels beneath the skin, leading to visible bruising.
Vitamin deficiencies, bad nutrition, and medical procedures involving IV insertions could also cause bruising.
Blood thinners can also interfere with clotting, which makes bruises more visible.’
