Questions remain over US President Donald Trump’s health after he was spotted with a patch on his hand earlier today, which Melania appeared to cover up when they landed
Melania Trump appeared to hide US President Donald Trump’s hand after a bruise was spotted earlier today.
The US President and the First Lady were seen walking hand in hand as they left Air Force One shortly after touching down in the UK this evening. Trump’s bruised hand was not seen when he greeted UK officials on the tarmac before the pair made their way to the helicopter, Marine One, as it was gripped tightly by Melania.
RAF personnel from The King’s Colour Squadron lined up as Trump stepped off Air Force One at Stansted Airport, forming a guard of honour. Members of the US security services were also at the airport and carried out searches, with people scanned with security wands.
Trump and Melania will travel to the US ambassador’s address in central London from Stanstead. The US President arrived in the UK this evening for a second state visit where he will rub shoulders with the Royal Family and the Starmers.
The bruising on his hand has ignited intense discussion in recent weeks following a spate of public appearances, as well as absences, which raised speculation about his potential health decline. Trump became the oldest man to be inaugurated as president at the age of 78 and has now turned 79.
The patches on his hand, which appear to be bruising, have been seen at various times. The White House has claimed the patches could be due to a combination of “frequent handshaking” as well as his use of aspirin, which has a variety of uses including as blood-thinning medicine.
Trump’s doctor Sean Barbarella said: “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.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added: “This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. The president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here.”
Last month the White House revealed the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition which results in poor blood flow in certain parts of the body, including the limbs. The disorder, which typically affects those over 70, accounts for the president’s recent appearance with swollen ankles, the White House added.
Moments before Trump boarded Air Force One, the president praised King Charles as a “friend.” He added the King is “such an elegant gentleman” and added he “represents the country so well.”
Since 1952, there have only been three state visits by US Presidents, those being George W Bush in 2003, Barack Obama in 2009 and Trump in 2019.