Donald Trump has again prompted fresh health worries from some Americans after photos appeared to show an angry, scabbing rash on his neck during a Medal of Honor ceremony on Monday.
Speculation about Trump’s wellbeing has continued to circulate since he began a second term, with recent public appearances fueling discussion about issues ranging from swollen ankles to recurring bruising on his hands.
Although the White House and Trump’s medical team have repeatedly maintained that he is in good health, observers have now focused on what looks like a new visible concern: a pronounced red rash.
The marks were noticed during a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on Monday, March 2. In images from the event, the right side of Trump’s neck appeared reddened and scabbed, spanning from behind his ear up toward the back of his hairline.
While there are many potential explanations for a rash of this kind, White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella sought to calm concerns, saying in a statement: “President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor.”
He added: “The president is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks,” though no further details were provided about why the medication was recommended.
Photos from the same appearance also drew renewed attention to Trump’s right hand, which appeared to show the same bruise that has been seen repeatedly in recent months and was again seemingly concealed with makeup.
For more than a year, the President has been photographed with bruising on that hand on multiple occasions. Some members of the public had previously suggested it could be linked to frequent blood tests, but the White House has rejected that idea, attributing the marks to his routine of meeting people and shaking hands throughout the day.
Trump has also commented on the bruising himself. In January, he told the The Wall Street Journal that he takes 325mg of aspirin daily—higher than the 81mg commonly associated with heart-health use.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
Separately, Trump has previously been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which weakened leg vein walls or valves can cause blood to pool rather than return efficiently to the heart. It can contribute to aching, heaviness, swelling, and in some cases skin changes such as discoloration or ulcers.