The White House confirmed on Thursday that President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a common vein condition called chronic venous insufficiency, following concerns about swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters at a briefing, reading a letter from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, a US Navy officer. The letter detailed the president’s recent medical evaluation, which included ultrasound tests and a series of exams to investigate the swelling and bruising.
The ultrasound revealed that President Trump, aged 79, is experiencing chronic venous insufficiency — a benign condition prevalent in individuals over 70, where veins have difficulty returning blood from the legs back to the heart. The doctor emphasized that this diagnosis is common and does not indicate a serious health threat.
Importantly, the medical tests showed no signs of deep vein thrombosis (a dangerous blood clot condition), arterial disease, heart failure, kidney problems, or any systemic illness. The bruising on Trump’s hand was attributed to minor soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which the president takes as a preventative measure for cardiovascular health.
“President Trump remains in excellent health,” Dr. Barbabella wrote.
The White House statement aims to quell growing speculation fueled by recent photographs that showed the president with swollen ankles and makeup covering bruises on his hand.
Kwame Amankwah, chief of vascular surgery at the University of Connecticut, explained that chronic venous insufficiency often requires management through compression stockings and leg elevation to prevent worsening symptoms such as severe swelling or ulcers.
Trump underwent a comprehensive physical examination on April 11 at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was found to have a normal heart rhythm and no major health issues.
Leavitt reassured the public that the president is not experiencing any discomfort from his condition and continues to maintain good health.
