Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Vein Condition After Notable Bruising, Leg Swelling

U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a long-term but non-threatening vein condition, the White House confirmed Thursday, after days of speculation about his swollen legs and a bruised right hand.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the 79-year-old president was found to have “chronic venous insufficiency” after noticing “mild swelling in his lower legs” in recent weeks.

Leavitt attributed the discoloration seen on Trump’s right hand to “frequent handshaking” combined with his use of aspirin as part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”

Trump, who began his second term in January after defeating Democrat Joe Biden, is now the oldest individual to assume the presidency. Biden, 82 at the time he left office, had previously held that distinction.

Known for his vigorous self-promotion and energy, Trump regularly plays golf and frequently touts his stamina. His administration recently released an image portraying him as Superman, underscoring that message.

In April, Trump declared himself in “very good shape” following a routine health check.

But Leavitt’s announcement comes after online speculation flared over the president’s visibly swollen ankles, most notably observed at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, as well as the dark bruising on his hand.

According to Leavitt, Trump personally asked her to read a note from his physician regarding the diagnosis “in the effort of transparency.”

She said the president underwent “a comprehensive examination” and ultrasound imaging, which confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency — a common and typically benign condition among individuals over 70.

The condition occurs when leg veins are unable to effectively pump blood back to the heart.

“Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt said.

She also noted that tests confirmed Trump has a “normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness.”

Addressing the hand bruising, Leavitt explained: “This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy. And the president remains in excellent health.”

Despite repeated past questions about the hand marks, the White House had previously dismissed them, attributing the appearance solely to vigorous handshaking.

Presidential health has long been under public scrutiny, but with two of the oldest presidents in U.S. history having held office back-to-back, the attention has intensified.

Trump’s administration has also recently accused Biden’s White House of concealing signs of the Democrat’s physical and mental decline.

Health concerns dominated the 2024 campaign, ultimately forcing Biden to abandon his re-election bid following a poorly received debate performance against Trump.

Republicans in Congress have since launched an investigation into Biden’s fitness for office, issuing subpoenas to several aides, including his physician.

Trump has also accused Biden — without evidence — of lacking the capacity to govern, pointing to the use of an “autopen” to sign documents as a sign of diminished ability. The autopen, a mechanical device used to replicate signatures, has been in use by U.S. presidents and officials for decades.

In May, Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He has repeatedly denied claims that he was unfit for office, stating he believed he “could have won a second term.”

AFP