U.S President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a benign yet persistent vein condition, following public concern over visible swelling in his legs and bruising on his right hand, the White House confirmed on Thursday.
The announcement, made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, came amid widespread speculation about Trump’s health after photos surfaced showing discoloration on his hand and puffiness around his anklesankles, notably during his appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey.
Leavitt said Trump, 79, had recently reported “mild swelling in his lower legs,” prompting a series of tests including a comprehensive examination and ultrasound imaging. The results confirmed the condition, which affects the proper circulation of blood in the legs and is common in people over 70.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt told reporters, assuring the public that Trump had undergone a full cardiac evaluation and showed “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.”
The discoloration seen on Trump’s right hand, she added, was attributed to a “well-known and benign side effect” of his ongoing aspirin therapy, part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.
“This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. And the president remains in excellent health,” she said.
The press secretary also explained that Trump’s bruising was aggravated by frequent handshaking, something the president does regularly at public events.
Leavitt noted that the president personally requested the disclosure of his medical note “in the effort of transparency.”
The White House had previously deflected inquiries about Trump’s hand bruising, attributing it only to handshakes.
“Very Good Shape” Despite Online Speculation
Despite his age, Trump frequently touts his stamina and fitness, often seen playing golf and remaining publicly active. In April, he declared after a routine check-up that he was in “very good shape.”
Trump is the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency, having been sworn in for a second term in January 2025 at age 79.
He succeeded Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left office. The administration recently even released a photo of Trump depicted as Superman, underscoring his confidence in his physical condition.
Still, Leavitt’s clarification comes amid intensified public scrutiny.
The health of U.S presidents has long been a subject of national focus, but that attention has grown sharper in recent years with both Trump and Biden being the two oldest presidents in American history.
Trump’s administration has also used health concerns as a political weapon, especially regarding his predecessor.
Republicans in Congress have launched investigations into alleged efforts by the Biden administration to conceal the former president’s physical and mental decline, a recurring theme during the 2024 election.
Trump, without offering evidence, even claimed that Biden’s use of an “autopen” a device that replicates signatures suggested he was “not competent to lead.”
The tool, however, has been widely used by past presidents and federal officials for decades.
Biden, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May, dropped out of the race for re-election after a poor debate performance against Trump.
While he dismissed doubts about his cognitive ability during his time in office, his health remained a significant campaign issue.
As for Trump, Leavitt insisted the president remains in “excellent health,” despite the recent concerns.
“There is no cause for alarm,” she said, stressing that his condition is manageable and poses no serious threat to his ability to govern.
