President Donald Trump, 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common circulatory condition, following reports of mild swelling in his lower legs, the White House announced on Thursday.
The revelation, which quickly sparked widespread discussion on X, came after a comprehensive medical evaluation prompted by public speculation over recent images showing swollen ankles and bruising on the president’s hand.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, addressing the concerns during a press briefing, read a statement from Trump’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella, stating:
“Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
According to the White House, the evaluation included an echocardiogram and extensive lab tests, which found no evidence of serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, heart failure, or renal impairment. All results were said to be within normal limits.
Leavitt emphasized,
“President Trump remains in excellent health.”
CVI, which affects about one in twenty adults, occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart—often due to damaged valves—leading to blood pooling and swelling. While not life-threatening, untreated CVI can cause discomfort or complications such as leg ulcers.
Although treatment options like compression therapy, leg elevation, or lifestyle adjustments were not detailed in the announcement, officials underscored that the condition posed no immediate risk.
The White House also addressed the bruising on Trump’s hand, attributing it to
“minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking”
and his regular aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention, which is considered standard practice.
Leavitt dismissed broader health fears, noting:
“There was no discomfort reported by the president.”
Thursday’s update follows Trump’s routine physical in April 2025, which similarly declared him in “excellent health.” However, recent photos from the FIFA Club World Cup final on July 13, 2025, showing visible swelling, had fueled online speculation—concerns that the White House now says are unfounded.
