Updated Jan 31, 2024, 06:28pm EST
Topline
Former President Donald Trump spoke out Wednesday following wild online speculation earlier this month—including of a sexually transmitted disease being the potential cause—after the 2024 GOP frontrunner was photographed with mysterious red markings on his right hand, suggesting in comments Wednesday that the spots could be the result of artificial intelligence.
Key Facts
Trump said he had not seen the photos of the red markings, suggesting: “maybe it’s AI” when asked about his hands by Fox News reporter Mark Meredith while speaking after a meeting with the Teamsters union Wednesday.
There is no evidence backing up the former president’s claim.
Trump asked “what was wrong with them,” before showing the palms of both hands, which did not appear to have red sores on them.
Speculation had gone viral last week after Trump was photographed leaving his Manhattan apartment for his New York defamation trial with red marks on the palm and fingers of his right hand—though the blemishes had mysteriously vanished in photos and videos taken hours later at a campaign rally in New Hampshire, while he also did not appear to have the marks in prior public appearances.
What We Dont Know
Pundits had pondered a host of explanations behind the markings, with hosts of MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” suggesting the spots could be anything from red marker drawings to a sore exacerbated when Trump allegedly slammed his hands on a table during his defamation trial. Democratic strategist and CNN contributor James Carville speculated “there’s a good chance this man has the clap,” while speaking on the Politicon podcast. There is also no evidence that Trump has gonorrhea, a sexually transmitted disease caused by infection, or syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection transmitted by skin-to-skin contact. Several dermatologists have also speculated Trump could have injured himself, or that the markings could be the result of a rash.
News Peg
Trump was ordered last week to pay writer E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million in his high-profile New York defamation case as a result of statements he made denying her allegations that he sexually assaulted her in a department store dressing room in the 1990s. Trump has maintained no wrongdoing, while on Tuesday, his attorney, Alina Habba, argued the judge overseeing the case had a conflict of interest that allegedly resulted in “preferential treatment” for Carroll, arguing the jury’s verdict should be appealed.
Further Reading
Trump’s Red Hand Markings Draw Wild Speculation—Including Syphilis Conspiracies (Forbes)
Trump’s Lawyer Wants E. Jean Carroll Verdict Thrown Out Because Of Judge’s ‘Conflict’—Here’s Why Legal Experts Aren’t Worried (Forbes)
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Eugen Boglaru is an AI aficionado covering the fascinating and rapidly advancing field of Artificial Intelligence. From machine learning breakthroughs to ethical considerations, Eugen provides readers with a deep dive into the world of AI, demystifying complex concepts and exploring the transformative impact of intelligent technologies.
