An apparent bulge at the back of President Donald Trump's pants has prompted fresh speculation, with the Daily Beast's Hugh Dougherty saying it "looks like there's a book under his jacket"
Donald Trump's health has prompted intense speculation(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
An apparent bulge at the back of President Donald Trump's pants has sparked fresh speculation amid continued scrutiny of his health.
The Daily Beast's executive editor Hugh Dougherty described the bulge as "a mystery" after Trump aide Margo Martin posted a photograph to Instagram that appeared to show it beneath the president's jacket.
Dougherty said it "looks like there's a book under his jacket," while the publication's chief content officer Joanna Coles joked that Trump might be a closet reader. It comes as fresh Trump health fears erupted over his 'unusual hand movement'
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"It was in plain sight again, his jacket was flapped back and you could see something in there. Do you think this was a medical device?" Joanna asked.
The cause of the apparent bulge has not been established, and the account provides no confirmation that it is a book or a medical device, the Mirror US reported.
Hugh then said that "this bulge is a mystery". He continued: "We don't know anything about Trump's health. We have had reports that don't stand up to medical scrutiny.
"This week we have a group of psychiatrists who are saying there are significant reasons to look at his social media output and say, this is somebody who is exhibiting psychiatric problems and requires examination."
He said the publication had asked the White House about it. "And there is no transparency from the White House. We asked what is going on with this, and if this was an absurd conspiracy theory," he said.
The discussion comes amid ongoing questions about Trump's health during his second term, including visible bruising on his hands and swelling in his legs.
Joanna pointed to the bruises, which she said Trump covers with makeup, and his chronic venous insufficiency.
"We've talked about his swollen legs and his 'cankles' spilling over his Oxfords, we've talked about his chronic venous insufficiency, the big bruises on his hands and the oddly-colored make-up that he uses to cover it up that actually draws more attention to it."
Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition in which damaged or weakened valves in the leg veins make it harder for blood to return to the heart, allowing it to pool in the lower limbs.
Trump also appeared to fall asleep during a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11, a rare joint public appearance with first lady Melania Trump. Joanna described Melania as appearing "absolutely furious."
