US President Donald Trump, 79, on 2/3 attended a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, where he made comments on ongoing strikes targeting Iran.

Beyond stating he was "not ruling out the possibility of sending US ground troops to Iran", President Trump also drew attention due to a scaly red mark spreading from below his collar to his ear and hairline. In addition to the rash on his neck, bruises also appeared on his hands, despite being covered with concealer.

This condition once again fueled speculation about his health. Many observers noted that while bruises on his right hand have consistently appeared since 2/2025, this was the first time they had seen such a large red mark on the back of President Trump's neck.

The public's attention prompted Sean Barbabella, President Trump's White House physician, to explain that the president was using a topical cream for skin irritation.

The US president appeared at a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House on 2/3 with a red mark on his neck. Photo: AFP

"President Trump is using a common cream on the right side of his neck. This is a preventative skin treatment prescribed by the White House physician", he stated, though he did not explain the reason for the prescription. "The president will treat it for one week, and the redness is expected to last several weeks."

Previously, the White House press secretary had also explained that the bruises on President Trump's hands were due to "constant work and handshakes day and night."

By 7/2025, when President Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, causing swollen legs, Doctor Barbabella further explained the hand bruises, noting that "these are signs of minor soft tissue damage from frequent handshakes and aspirin use, a medication included in his cardiovascular disease prevention regimen."

For over 10 years, President Trump, his physicians, and assistants have frequently issued brief, vague, or optimistic statements about the president's physical condition and health.

Harold Bornstein, President Trump's long-time private physician, stated in late 2015 that President Trump would be "the healthiest person ever elected to the presidency." Ronny L. Jackson, the White House physician during President Trump's first term, asserted in 2018 that if he followed a healthier diet, President Trump could live to 200 years old.

By Hong Hanh (Based on People, NYT)