The White House has disclosed that President Donald Trump is experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, following speculation fueled by recent photographs showing the 79-year-old leader with noticeably swollen ankles and makeup covering a mark on his hand.
The White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns during a press briefing, attributing the leg swelling to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) —a benign vein condition common in individuals over 70—while dismissing the hand bruising as a result of frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
Medical Experts Weigh In: Is Trump’s Condition Serious?
A letter from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, confirmed that the president underwent extensive medical tests, including an ultrasound of his legs, which ruled out more severe conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease.
Additional examinations found no signs of heart failure, kidney impairment, or systemic illness. Dr. Kwame Amankwah, a vascular surgery expert at the University of Connecticut explained that CVI typically affects blood flow from the legs to the heart and is managed with compression stockings and leg elevation. Dr. Todd Berland of NYU Langone Health added that while the condition impacts quality of life, it does not affect life expectancy.
How the White House Shut Down Speculation
The White House’s statement aimed to quell online conspiracy theories suggesting Trump might be suffering from a serious undisclosed illness. Leavitt emphasized that the president is in “excellent health” and not experiencing discomfort. The release of Barbabella’s medical letter sought to provide transparency, noting that Trump’s recent April 11 physical at Walter Reed Medical Center showed a normal heart rhythm and no major health concerns.
With CVI requiring ongoing care, medical experts stress the importance of compression therapy and lifestyle adjustments to prevent complications like severe swelling or ulcers.
