Petition to 'Release Trump's FULL Medical Records' Grows
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
More than 8,000 people have signed a petition calling for President Donald Trump to release all his medical records.
On July 17, the White House confirmed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following growing concerns about visible swelling in the president's legs and bruises on his hands.
Newsweek has contacted the White House for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Historically, U.S. presidents and presidential candidates have released their medical information to build public trust and reassure voters. The issue has become more urgent as the median age of presidents in the U.S. has risen, with cognitive and physical decline becoming pointed campaign topics.
The health of then-President Joe Biden was a major issue before he dropped out of the 2024 presidential race, with Trump repeatedly questioning whether he was fit for office.
What To Know
The author of the Care2 petition titled "Release Trump's FULL Medical Records NOW" wrote: "After everyone with eyes was able to plainly see Trump's swollen legs, discolorations, and other troubling symptoms, the White House FINALLY released a snippet of health information—Trump has 'chronic venous insufficiency.' In tones normally reserved for a hangnail, they said this was no big deal, very common, nothing to see here...
"Except that this can indicate a very serious heart condition, possibly life-threatening, along with a range of other very dangerous ailments. But we don't have the full records, so we have to take the word of chronic liars.
"Add your name, and demand that ALL Trump's medical records be released, as has been common practice for presidents for decades.
"This also must include cognitive, memory, and related tests, given the rapidly worsening symptoms Trump has been showing on that front as well (including an utterly bizarre public rant about the Unabomber and Trump's uncle).
"This man has his finger on the nuclear button, which is already frightening. But if he's falling apart physically and mentally, that takes it to a whole other level. And we need to know that, so we can act accordingly."
The White House announced Trump's diagnosis in a memo from Sean Barbabella, the president's physician.
"The president underwent a comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies. Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," the memo said.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt later said in a news briefing that the president's medical team found "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease." She said Trump was not in any discomfort with the condition.
The diagnosis came after members of the public began questioning photographs showing Trump with heavily swollen ankles.
The president's health has long been a subject of public scrutiny, especially given his age. Trump, who turned 79 last month, became the oldest person to be inaugurated president when he began his second term in January.
While Trump has released intermittent updates over the years, calls for full transparency have intensified, particularly following then-Vice President Kamala Harris' detailed medical disclosure in October.
Trump has shared limited information—including a November 2023 letter from his physician, which describes him as being in "excellent health." The letter cited favorable lab results, weight loss and "exceptional" cognitive performance. However, it lacked specific metrics. The president also scored 30 out of 30 on a Montreal Cognitive Assessment in 2018, according to then-White House physician Ronny Jackson, but no recent cognitive evaluations have been released.
His medical history includes high cholesterol, coronary artery disease and a COVID-19 hospitalization in 2020. According to various reports, Trump takes medications for cholesterol, cardiac prevention and rosacea. In 2024, he underwent cataract surgery and a colonoscopy that showed a benign polyp and diverticulitis.
President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 18.
President Donald Trump in the East Room of the White House in Washington, D.C., on July 18.
AP
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
CVI is a condition in which the veins in the legs are unable to efficiently return blood to the heart. This occurs when the one-way valves inside the leg veins—responsible for keeping blood flowing upward—become damaged or weakened. As a result, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling, discomfort and a range of other symptoms.
The condition is most often caused by factors such as aging, obesity, prolonged periods of sitting or standing, a history of blood clots (such as deep vein thrombosis), or the presence of varicose veins. Over time, the increased pressure from trapped blood can lead to visible changes in the skin and even open sores, particularly around the ankles.
Symptoms of CVI include leg swelling, aching or cramping, heaviness, visible varicose veins, skin discoloration, and in more advanced cases, ulcers around the ankles. These symptoms often worsen after long periods of standing or sitting and improve with leg elevation.
President Donald Trump's foot and swollen ankle as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House on July 16.
President Donald Trump's foot and swollen ankle as he sits with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House on July 16.
AP
What People Are Saying
Sean Barbabella, the president's physician, shared the following details from a physical in a memo shown to Newsweek in April: "President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function. His active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being.
"President Trump's days include participation in multiple meetings, public appearances, press availability, and frequent victories in golf events. President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."
Then-Vice President Kamala Harris said in October: "I put out my medical records. He won't put out his medical records. And you have to ask, why is this staff doing that? And it may be because they think he's just not ready, and [is] unfit and unstable and should not have that level of transparency for the American people."
What Happens Next
It remains to be seen how the administration will respond to concerns about Trump's health and the ongoing push for transparency.
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