President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) after the White House medical unit conducted a full evaluation prompted by visible swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his hand, officials confirmed Thursday.
The revelation follows days of speculation over the 79-year-old president’s health, after recent images circulated online showing noticeable swelling around his ankles and what appeared to be a concealed bruise on the back of his hand. The images — taken during recent public appearances, including a FIFA match in New Jersey and a press event on the White House lawn — quickly went viral, fueling health concerns among observers and media outlets alike.
Medical Evaluation Confirms Vascular Condition
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the president’s health during her daily briefing on Thursday, reading aloud a memo prepared by Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president’s personal physician.
“In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs,” Leavitt began. “In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”
According to Leavitt, Trump underwent a comprehensive examination, which included a bilateral venous Doppler ultrasound — a diagnostic imaging test used to evaluate blood flow in the legs — and an echocardiogram to assess heart function.
“These tests confirmed the presence of Chronic Venous Insufficiency, a common and benign condition among older adults,” Leavitt said.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI occurs when veins in the legs become weakened or damaged, preventing blood from flowing properly back to the heart. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the condition can lead to symptoms such as swelling, leg pain, fatigue, skin changes, and in more severe cases, ulcers or blood clots.
Although initially mild, CVI can worsen over time if left untreated, interfering with mobility and overall quality of life. Treatment typically involves lifestyle changes — such as increased physical activity, weight loss, and use of compression garments — but surgical options may be necessary in advanced cases.
Leavitt noted that President Trump has not experienced any discomfort, and emphasized that there were no signs of arterial disease or deep vein thrombosis. Still, she referred all further questions regarding treatment plans to Dr. Barbabella.
“The president remains in excellent health,” the memo concluded, though it did not detail any specific treatment regimen.
Bruising on Hand Also Explained
Leavitt also addressed the second cause for public speculation — a visible bruise on the back of Trump’s right hand, which appeared to have been partially covered with concealer during recent appearances. The bruise was clearly visible in photos as Trump boarded Marine One on July 15 en route to Pittsburgh, and again during a February 24 meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
“Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand,” Leavitt said. “This is consistent with soft tissue irritation caused by frequent handshaking, combined with aspirin use as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
She described the bruising as a benign and well-documented side effect of aspirin therapy, particularly in older patients.
The Daily Beast previously reported that the White House had brushed off the makeup speculation, reiterating that the bruising was due to the president’s regular physical interactions — especially his habit of strong handshakes during events and rallies.
Busy Public Schedule and Health Transparency
Leavitt took time during the briefing to emphasize Trump’s active schedule, pushing back on suggestions that the president’s health might be impacting his day-to-day performance.
“The president is working around the clock, attending high-level meetings, delivering speeches, and traveling,” she said. “There’s no indication whatsoever of discomfort or limitations.”
Indeed, President Trump has maintained a high-profile presence in recent weeks — from hosting foreign dignitaries to campaigning in battleground states, and even attending public sporting events like the FIFA Club World Cup Final alongside First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Health Report Previously Stated “Excellent Condition”
The latest update comes just three months after the White House released Trump’s official health report in April, which declared him in “excellent health” with no signs of impaired blood flow to his extremities.
However, the recent images of swelling and bruising — coupled with increased public scrutiny due to the president’s age — have renewed calls for greater medical transparency as Trump continues to campaign for re-election.