Kai Trump may have just revealed a timeline the White House spent months attempting to manage.
The 18-year-old granddaughter of the president shared an Instagram carousel on Wednesday that initially appeared to be another influencer-style post promoting her clothing line, similar to posts from NFL star Travis Kelce.
However, hidden among the selfies and throwback pictures was a photo confirming Donald Trump’s bruised hand had been visible since November, weeks before his official White House return.
The picture was originally shared on election night and depicts Kai and Donald Trump celebrating at Mar-a-Lago as results rolled in. Trump’s right hand was clearly covered with either poor spray tan or a heavy layer of foundation hiding purple bruising near his knuckles.
Following months of questions, it appears the makeup was an early attempt to conceal a problem that would subsequently become a significant topic on cable news and health blogs.
Trump discussed the bruising in December 2024 during a TIME interview, attributing it to “shaking hands with thousands of people.” Since that moment, the hand has developed a personality of its own during campaign events.
It makes appearances during rallies, particularly in fist pumps. On the golf course, it grips a club to strike a ball, despite numerous opponents asserting that the president doesn’t play the game fairly.
In July, the White House released a statement from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, indicating that the bruising was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and aspirin use.”
The physician explained that aspirin was included in a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen” and characterized the side effect as “benign and well known.”
That same medical assessment also examined Trump’s swollen ankles and identified chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where veins struggle to return blood to the heart.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the diagnosis later that month, maintaining that Trump remained “in exceptional health.”
RadarOnline reported that insiders close to the president claim he’s dealing with mobility issues and have suggested that a hip replacement might be necessary. The report indicates that his physical discomfort at 79 is actually ‘far worse than he admits publicly.’
Despite his hand conditions, Trump has kept playing golf, frequently swinging with Kai. She regularly accompanies him with her camera and phone and even shares herself playing on social media.
Kai has committed her future to the University of Miami, where she will become part of the 2026 Hurricanes golf team. President Trump possesses 17 golf courses worldwide, spanning from the US to Scotland, Dubai, and beyond.
His Doral resort course in Miami is scheduled to host a PGA Tour signature event with a $20 million purse next season.
