Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a vein condition that is causing his legs to swell
The 79-year-old, who in January became the oldest person ever to assume the US presidency, noted mild swelling in his lower legs and was subsequently examined by doctors 'out of an abundance of caution', Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.
Ultrasound tests 'revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70″, she said.
The condition involves damaged leg veins that fail to keep blood flowing properly, causing it to pool in the legs. According to Johns Hopkins, symptoms include pain, swelling, cramps, skin changes, varicose veins and leg ulcers.
The condition is not a serious health threat, but it can be painful and disabling.
Leavitt said Trump had asked her to share the diagnosis 'in the effort of transparency'.
She also said that the widely-noted discoloration on Trump's right hand was 'tissue irritation from frequent handshaking' and the use of aspirin as part of a standard cardiovascular treatment.
The White House also released a letter from presidential physical Sean Barbabella confirming the diagnosis, in which he said Trump 'remains in excellent health' despite the condition.
Trump's swollen ankles at the recent Fifa Club World Cup final prompted speculation about his health online.
Alamy Stock Photo
Alamy Stock Photo
'Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease,' Barbabella wrote.
The announcement was a rare acknowledgement of Trump's age and physical health. The Republican leader has frequently boasted of his good health and energy levels.
In a letter released in 2015, his then-physician declared that Trump would be the healthiest individual ever elected president in US history. The physician later admitted that Trump had dictated the letter to him.
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There was widespread online speculation about Trump's visibly swollen ankles after he attended the Fifa Club World Cup final in New Jersey on 13 July, and a bruised hand that appeared to be covered with make-up.
'Pretty common'
Dr. Matt Heinz, an internist and hospitalist from Tucson, Arizona, told AFP that chronic venous insufficiency is 'pretty common,' especially in older adults. It results from vein valves becoming less effective.
'It comes with age, gravity, and obesity doesn't help if that's a condition that people suffer from. I know the president's been losing some weight, though, so I think that's probably a little better,' he said.
Heinz said Trump's condition can be treated with compression socks, activity and maybe weight loss, rather than any 'invasive' treatment such as prosthetic valves.
The memo from Trump's physician, which was published by the White House.
The White House
The White House
He added that swelling could indicate something more serious such as heart issues, 'but I don't have that information.'
Leavitt told reporters that Trump had 'normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness'.
Of the hand bruising issue, she said: 'This is a well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy.'
For months, however, the White House had previously dismissed questions about Trump's bruised hand, saying that it was purely down to handshaking.
The health of US presidents has always been closely watched, but with the White House seeing its two oldest ever occupants since 2017, the scrutiny is now heavier than ever.
Biden's health was a key issue in the 2024 election, with the then-president forced to drop his campaign for a second term after a disastrous debate performance against Trump.
Republicans in the House of Representatives have issued subpoenas to several Biden aides, including his doctor, to get them to testify in an investigation into the Democrat's mental fitness.
In May, Biden was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer which has spread to the bone.
With reporting from
© AFP 2025
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