Golf fans and supporters of President Donald Trump did a double take this weekend when photos from the LIV Golf event in New Jersey showed the 80-year-old commander-in-chief with noticeable bruising on his right arm. The images, which spread quickly across social media, showed Trump riding in a golf cart with several dark marks along his arm—a sight that sparked immediate concern and speculation.
This isn't the first time Trump has been seen with visible bruises, but previous instances were mostly concentrated on his hands. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously attributed those marks to Trump's relentless schedule of handshakes and greetings. "President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history," Leavitt told the Daily Beast late last year.
But the bruises on his arm tell a different story. So what's really going on? Trump's personal physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, offered a straightforward explanation during the president's May 2026 medical exam: the bruising is likely a combination of aspirin use and the natural effects of aging. Dr. Barbabella also noted that mild chronic venous insufficiency—a condition where veins have trouble sending blood from the limbs back to the heart—can contribute to easy bruising in the arms and legs.
Trump has been open about his daily aspirin regimen, which he takes to protect his heart. "They say take aspirin if you like your heart, but don't take aspirin if you don't want to have a little bruising. I take the big aspirin," Trump said. He also recalled his doctor's advice: "The doctor said, 'You don't have to take that, sir. You're very healthy.' I said, 'I'm not taking any chances.'"
The president's explanation aligns with medical expertise. Reuters spoke with four doctors—two surgeons and two internists—who agreed that aspirin could indeed be a contributing factor to the bruising. Aspirin thins the blood, which can make even minor bumps leave more noticeable marks.
While the bruises may look alarming, they appear to be a benign side effect of a medication that Trump believes is essential for his health. As for the president, he wasn't letting the chatter distract him from the tournament. He was seen enjoying the third round of the LIV Golf New York event at his own Trump National Bedminster course, mingling with players and fans alike.
The scene was a reminder that even as the world's most powerful man, Trump remains a fixture on the golf course—and subject to the same physical quirks as any other 80-year-old. His willingness to brush off the speculation and keep moving is characteristic of a leader who's used to being in the spotlight, whether for policy decisions or a few visible bruises.
For now, the medical explanation seems to satisfy both supporters and skeptics, putting the focus back where Trump likely wants it: on the game, not the marks on his arm.
