President Donald Trump of United States has been diagnosed with a chronic vein issue, the White House confirmed on Thursday, following widespread public attention over swelling in his legs and visible bruising on one of his hands.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt disclosed that the 79-year-old leader was recently evaluated after noticing “mild swelling in his lower legs,” leading to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency—a long-term but common condition in older adults.
Leavitt explained that the discoloration seen on Trump’s right hand was the result of “frequent handshaking” combined with aspirin use, part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
Trump, who took office for a second term in January—making him the oldest sitting U.S. president—has often boasted about his stamina and is frequently seen playing golf. His team even shared a digitally enhanced image of him styled as Superman earlier this year.
In April, following a routine check-up, Trump told the public he was in “very good shape.” Yet, the conversation around his health intensified recently after video clips and images from the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey showed his ankles visibly swollen and his right hand marked with bruises.
Seeking to address the rumours, Leavitt said the president had requested a statement from his physician be shared “in the effort of transparency.”
She stated that Trump had undergone “a comprehensive examination” which included ultrasound imaging. The tests identified chronic venous insufficiency—a condition caused by weakened veins in the legs that hinder normal blood circulation.
“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” she noted.
Additional assessments showed Trump had “a normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness,” Leavitt, 27, told reporters.
Regarding the bruising on his hand, she reiterated: “This is a well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. And the president remains in excellent health.”
While the White House had previously dismissed inquiries about Trump’s bruised hand, attributing it to firm handshakes, this latest statement offers a fuller explanation.
Presidential health has long been a focus of public scrutiny, especially in recent years as the country has been led by its oldest-ever presidents. That scrutiny only intensified during the 2024 election cycle, where then-incumbent Joe Biden’s health became a central issue.
Biden, 82 when he left office, ended his re-election campaign after a poor debate performance against Trump. His health remains a political talking point, with Republicans in Congress investigating the former president’s fitness for office and subpoenaing members of his medical team.
Trump has repeatedly claimed—without presenting proof—that Biden’s use of an autopen to sign official documents, such as pardons, was a sign of mental unfitness. However, the device has been a standard tool used by many presidents and high-ranking officials over the years.
Biden, who was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May, has continued to reject any suggestions that his mental capacity was diminished during his time in office and maintains he could have won re-election.
