President Donald Trump complained about handshakes, telling athletes visiting the White House Tuesday "they're ripping my hand up" amid ongoing reports of his health decline and questions about his bruised hands.
He made the comment as he shook hands with Louisiana State University baseball player Steven Milam, 21, and former player Josh Pearson, 23, The Daily Beast reported.
“They’re very strong hands, I’m noticing,” Trump said after shaking the players' hands. “You know, they’re ripping me, they’re ripping my hand up!”
The president's mysteriously bruised hands are often covered with a blotch of makeup — which sometimes does not blend with his skin tone.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said the bruising is due to “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin" that he takes as “part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regime.”
"Neither of his hands appeared to display any bruising on Monday, and press photographers have not captured any photos that display visible bruising since Oct. 5," The Beast reported.
Concerns over the 79-year-old president's health have risen during his second administration, including criticism for his swollen ankles after he criticized former President Joe Biden for being in poor health. Observers have also noted he has struggled at times to walk in a straight line. Trump had a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency and also appeared to have a droopy face.
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