Donald Trump has once more sparked fears for his health after his appearance at a controversial sporting event in the White House grounds. The US president celebrated his 80th birthday by hosting an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event to mark America’s 250th anniversary of independence.
Trump and UFC chief Dana White were seen walking together from the Oval Office to the White House balcony overlooking the giant open-sided arena, nicknamed “The Claw”, on the South Lawn. However, eagle-eyed observers spotted strange marks on Trump’s hand, prompting many to speculate on his health. Aaron Rupar posted on X: “Trump, his hand visibly discolored, looks every bit of 80 as he poses with Dana White.”.
Another suggested that Trump, who was seen saluting during the national anthem, rather than placing his hand on his chest, was doing so to conceal bruising to his hand, which has been seen on numerous occasions throughout his second spell in office.
They wrote: “Now you know why he salutes rather than placing his hand on where his heart is supposed to be.”
A third user remarked: “This guy looks not only terrible. He looks angry and confused it’s not going as planned.”
Another added: “Is that a bruise and a bump on his cheek?”
Trump has often been seen with bruises to his hand in recent years, with staff making efforts to conceal the marks with makeup.
Having originally explained the bruising as the effect of regularly shaking hands, the White House has been reluctant to give information on the cause of the marks.
Trump, who became the oldest person ever elected to the presidency in 2024, has claimed on several occasions to be in strong health, telling reporters that he “aced” cognitive and physical testing throughout his second term.
Among the 4,000 guests in the custom-built venue was British heavyweight boxing star, Tyson Fury, wearing a Donald Trump for prime minister baseball hat.
Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg was also spotted speaking to the president during a break in the action.
Others with cage-side seats were FBI director Kash Patel, acting US attorney general Todd Blanche and speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson.
Sir Christian Turner, the UK’s ambassador to the US, posted an image of himself in attendance at the event on X, along with the caption: “Celebrating US250 the American way.”
Tens of thousands more watched the Freedom 250 bouts on a big screen in a park close to the White House, with some having travelled from across the country for the spectacle.
It made for some incongruous scenes with fighters pictured warming up inside the formal surroundings of the White House.