WASHINGTON — White House officials have provided an explanation for a prominent red mark visible on President Donald Trump’s neck during a recent public appearance, stating it results from a prescribed skin treatment.
The discoloration became a topic of public discussion after photographers captured detailed images of the president’s neck area during a Medal of Honor presentation held in the White House East Room on Monday.
According to a statement from Sean Barbabella, Trump’s physician, “President Trump is using a very common cream on the right side of his neck, which is a preventative skin treatment, prescribed by the White House Doctor.” Barbabella added that “The President is using this treatment for one week, and the redness is expected to last for a few weeks.”
Administration officials declined to provide additional details about the specific medication being used, the exact start date of the treatment, or the particular condition being addressed. However, photographic evidence suggests the skin discoloration has been present since at least February 23, when Trump appeared at a White House event for “angel families,” which occurred one day prior to his State of the Union speech.
Medical records from Trump’s April 2025 physical examination revealed he was using mometasone cream on an as-needed basis for an undisclosed skin issue.
At 79 years old, Trump holds the distinction of being the oldest individual to assume the presidency when he took office in January. Given his age, his physical condition receives significant public attention and medical oversight.
In December, Barbabella reported that Trump underwent MRI scans of his heart and abdomen in October as standard preventive care appropriate for men in his age group, with results described as “perfectly normal.” The October examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center concluded that Trump maintains “exceptional health,” according to his doctor’s assessment.
