President Donald Trump’s health is once again under the microscope after a tiny detail was spotted beneath his suit jacket.
In footage shared by the White House, viewers quickly zoomed in on a small rectangular shape protruding from the 79-year-old's lower torso.
The subtle but persistent bump has been seen in multiple public appearances this year, yet neither Trump nor the White House has ever addressed it.
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Some online users were quick to speculate that it might be an LVAD (Left Ventricular Assist Device) - a piece of medical equipment used to help a weakened heart pump blood.
“Trump has an LVAD??" one user said, while another commented: "Under his jacket Trump has what appears to be an LVAD. I know firsthand that at his age this may buy him a couple years, & he will never have stamina to fully do his job. Not that he ever has!"
An LVAD pump is surgically implanted in the chest and connected to a controller and battery pack that patients typically wear on a belt or shoulder strap.
Or just… a wallet?
Of course, not everyone is convinced. Some believe the protrusion is nothing more than a phone, a card holder, or even body armor.
“Looks to be a wallet in the inside jacket pocket," said one commenter, while others suggested that it's his vest or a phone.
This isn’t the first time Trump’s physical appearance has come into question, as this year, his hands became a frequent source of speculation following a series of public appearances where visible bruising and discoloration were spotted.
On August 25, Trump’s right hand appeared visibly bruised as he signed executive orders in the Oval Office. He was later seen trying to cover the mark with his other hand during a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
Just days earlier, thick makeup was seen on the back of the same hand during a museum visit in Washington - leading some to suspect he was attempting to conceal the bruises.
There have also been instances of smaller bruises on Trump’s left hand, further fueling rumors about IV treatments or frequent blood draws. However, the White House has firmly denied these claims.
In a statement to the BBC, Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, chalked up the marks to “minor soft tissue irritation” caused by frequent handshaking and aspirin use, which is part of the president’s cardiovascular regimen.
Trump himself addressed the issue in a Time interview last December: “It’s from shaking hands with thousands of people.”
Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt downplayed concerns, stating: “President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”
In addition to the bruises, Trump was also diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common condition in older adults caused by faulty vein valves, which can lead to swelling or venous ulcers if untreated.
Dr. Barbabella told Forbes that the condition was discovered after photos of the president with swollen ankles sparked concern. The White House has denied more serious issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease.