US President Donald Trump drew attention on Wednesday evening for his unusual choice of attire while welcoming Chinese President Xi Jinping at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland. Xi arrived in Washington for his first state visit to the United States in over a decade, accompanied by his wife, Peng Liyuan.

Despite mild fall temperatures hovering around 19 degrees Celsius (66 degrees Fahrenheit), Trump was the only individual wearing a dark overcoat and gloves during the arrival ceremony. First Lady Melania Trump, Xi, and Peng all wore lighter clothing consistent with the weather—Xi in a dark suit with a purple tie, Peng in a dove-grey dress with a pale scarf, and Melania in a dark two-piece suit.

Trump removed his right glove briefly to shake hands with Xi and Peng as they disembarked the plane, as well as later with Chinese ambassador Xie Feng and other members of the delegation. He then put the glove back on for the formal ceremony, maintaining it while saluting as the respective national anthems were played.

The president’s gloved hands quickly sparked speculation online. Social media users questioned the need for gloves given the temperate weather, with some commenting on the incongruity of Trump’s heavy outerwear. Others suggested the gloves might be intended to conceal bruising on his hands, a theory fueled by recurring public observations of discolored skin on Trump’s hands during recent public appearances.

Last week, images from a campaign event for the November midterm elections showed new bruising on Trump’s left hand, which appeared different from previous findings. The latest marks were described by media outlets as clusters of irregular dark purple and blue patches, contrasting with earlier larger bruises seen on the back of his hand.

Trump has previously addressed the bruising. In January, he attributed similar discoloration to bumping his hand on a table, noting that his use of aspirin, which he takes as part of a cardiovascular prevention regimen, contributes to increased bruising. At that time, he also reiterated that he has never been diagnosed with heart disease or suffered a heart attack.

The White House, in July of the previous year, cited a physician’s note characterizing the visible bruising as "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin."

Trump, who turned 80 in June, currently holds the distinction of being the oldest president in US history. He was sworn in for his second term in January 2025. The visit by Xi marks a significant diplomatic engagement amid ongoing complex relations between the US and China.