Bulwark Takes Does Trump’s Bruised Hand Story Make Sense?
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Dec 26, 2025 Jared Poland, a digital producer at Bulwark known for his engaging experiments, joins Sam Stein to investigate a peculiar claim about Donald Trump’s bruised hand. They discuss the White House’s explanation, which suggests excessive handshaking and aspirin usage caused the bruising. To test this, Jared conducts a handshake experiment, recording 315 shakes with visitors. While he reports soreness the next day, no bruising appears. The duo reflects on the validity of the claim and the fun of gimmick journalism, hinting at future experiments to come.
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Handshaking Test Outside The White House
- Jared Poland staged a public handshake experiment outside the White House to replicate Trump's reported handshaking routine.
- He shook 315 hands in about three hours and felt soreness the next day but recorded no visible bruising.
White House Explanation Is Testable
- Sam Stein highlights the White House explanation that heavy handshaking plus daily aspirin could cause bruising.
- The hosts treat that claim as testable rather than accepting it at face value.
Street-Canvassing Tricks Yield Results
- Jared used his street-canvassing skills and a sign reading 'please shake my hand' to solicit handshakes.
- He encountered varied reactions including repeated handshakes from enthusiastic passersby and help from a Boy Scout troop.