Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency After Swelling Concerns, White House Says

Washington, D.C. — After days of speculation surrounding visible bruising on his hand and swelling in his legs, former President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults, according to the White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

In a press briefing held Thursday, Leavitt confirmed that Trump experienced “mild swelling in his lower legs,” prompting a thorough medical evaluation by the White House medical team. The condition, while not considered dangerous, raised eyebrows after close-up images circulated online, showing bruising on the back of Trump’s right hand and noticeable puffiness in his calves during recent appearances.

“President Trump underwent a comprehensive examination including diagnostic vascular studies,” Leavitt explained. “Bilateral lower extremity intravenous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency — a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.”

What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition in which veins in the legs struggle to send blood back up to the heart. The poor circulation causes blood to pool in the lower limbs, leading to swelling, discomfort, and sometimes skin changes or varicose veins. While not life-threatening, it can be persistent and uncomfortable without treatment.

Leavitt reassured the public that Trump’s case was mild and that he experienced no pain or serious complications.

“There is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” she said, referencing two more serious vascular conditions. “An echocardiogram showed normal cardiac structure and function, and all test results were within normal limits.”

Public Scrutiny and the President’s Bruised Hand

The health update comes after social media lit up with speculation about photos showing Trump’s hand marked by dark bruises — a detail that caught attention due to its timing alongside the leg swelling.

Leavitt attributed the bruising to “minor soft tissue irritation” caused by “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.” While aspirin is commonly prescribed for heart health in older adults, it can increase the likelihood of bruising.

“The president remains in excellent health,” she reiterated, referencing a memorandum released earlier Thursday by Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella. The memo summarized the findings from the recent evaluation but offered no new details beyond what was shared publicly by the press secretary.

No Discomfort, No Disruption, White House Says

Leavitt addressed concerns that Trump might be experiencing discomfort or functional limitations due to the condition.

“Nope. No discomfort from the president at all,” she said. “And you probably all see that on a day-to-day basis. He’s working around the clock.”

She also reminded the press that Trump underwent his annual physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in April, where he was declared to be “in excellent health” by Dr. Barbabella.

While chronic venous insufficiency often develops slowly over time, especially in those over the age of 70, its presence does not necessarily indicate declining health. Common treatments for the condition include elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, increasing movement and physical activity, and in some cases, minor surgical interventions.

A Political and Medical Balancing Act

In an election season already thick with scrutiny over age and fitness — on both sides of the aisle — Trump’s health remains a topic of intense interest and speculation. This diagnosis, though minor in the medical world, lands in a highly politicized context.

Health professionals have largely agreed that CVI is manageable and common, particularly in men over 70. However, in the world of presidential politics, optics often outweigh nuance. Online debates already question the images of swelling and bruising, with conspiracy theories circulating on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Truth Social.

Still, the official word from Trump’s medical team and the White House press office is one of reassurance.

“The president continues to maintain a demanding schedule,” Leavitt concluded, “and there’s no indication this condition will impact his ability to carry out his duties.”

For now, at least, the message from Trump’s corner is clear: minor swelling or not, the former president is still in the fight — and still, in their words, “in excellent health.”