Donald Trump health fears erupt as 'major discoloration' spotted on hand

Donald Trump's public speech at the Oval Office on Tuesday did not quash health fears after days of rumours. As soon as Mr Trump appeared at the White House for a major announcement regarding the Space Command HQ, eagle-eyed online users noticed what appeared to be discolouration on one of his hands.

One X user, sharing a screenshot from the announcement, said: "Trump's hands are visibly 2 different colors today." The American President's health has been the focus of frenzied speculation on social media. His absence for a few days from the public eye fuelled unfounded rumours online he was unwell - with someone going as far as claiming he had died.

Mr Trump was seen on Sunday heading to one of his golf courses, but his public appearance at the White House has failed to quash the online, false rumours.

During the press conference to announce the US Space Command will be located in Alabama, he confronted the gossip.

He said he didn't know about the claims he had died, but had heard the rumours around his health.

Mr Trump added he had been "very active" over the weekend, pointing to his posts on his Truth Social platform, and also on Labor Day - a US holiday on Monday.

Despite his comments, speculation online continued and some claimed his right hand looked discoloured during the announcemment.

The President, 79, has been seen with what is believed to be make-up on the back of his hands before, thought to be covering up bruising.

In July, officials confirmed he had been diagnosed with a condition affecting his veins called chronic venous insufficiency.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has previously insisted the bruising is not related to the condition, instead saying it was "consistent" with irritation from the President's "frequent handshaking" and the use of aspirin.

Other theories over his health were shared on Tuesday.

One X user claimed Mr Trump's voice was "weak" and the Oval Office podium was "acting as a walker to help him stand up".

Another claimed his cheeks looked "swollen" and his voice was "a little hoarse".

In a statement, Ms Leavitt said the President is "perfectly fine and has a tremendous amount of energy".

She told CNN: "The made-up speculation online is crazy and baseless, and it's clearly being pushed by Democrat activists and left-wing lunatics."

Mr Trump attempted to quash the health rumours on Sunday night, writing on Truth Social: "NEVER FELT BETTER IN MY LIFE."

Sources close to the President say he is self-conscious over the bruise on his hand, CNN reports.

Tuesday's conference, listed only as "an announcement" on the president's public schedule, added to the speculation over Mr Trump's physical health.