White House doctors have diagnosed President Donald Trump with chronic venous insufficiency, a common circulatory condition, though they emphasized that he remains in “excellent health,” according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump, 79, underwent a medical examination after recent photos showed visible swelling in his ankles and a bruised hand, Leavitt said on Thursday.
The ankle swelling is attributed to the venous condition, which occurs when damaged valves hinder the proper return of blood from the legs to the heart. Leavitt described the condition as “common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”
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“There is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” she added. “The president remains in excellent health.”
Leavitt noted that Trump is experiencing no discomfort related to his ankles. She did not specify any treatment but stated that the White House physician’s office would release a memo with further details.
The president underwent a “comprehensive examination” out of an “abundance of caution” after noticing swelling in his lower legs. The evaluation included vascular studies, an echocardiogram, and ultrasounds.
As for the bruising on his hand, Leavitt said it was “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent hand-shaking” and a “benign side effect of aspirin therapy,” which Trump takes as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
In January, Trump became the oldest person ever inaugurated as U.S. president, surpassing his predecessor, Joe Biden, who is now 82.
During the 2024 election, Trump frequently criticized Biden for his age and physical stamina. However, Trump later dropped out of the race following a widely criticized debate performance that intensified concerns about his own fitness.
Photos showing Trump’s ankles appearing swollen at the FIFA Club World Cup last weekend, and visible markings on his hand, partially covered by makeup on Tuesday prompted renewed scrutiny of his health as he departed the White House for a trip to Pennsylvania.
FTN
