By Muhammad Mamman
US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common and benign condition, following concerns over swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, the White House announced on Thursday.
The 79-year-old, who became the oldest person to assume the US presidency at the start of his second term in January, underwent a comprehensive medical examination, including ultrasound tests, which confirmed the diagnosis.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president had experienced mild swelling in his lower legs in recent weeks, prompting the tests. She clarified that the condition, which affects blood flow due to damaged leg veins, is typical in individuals over 70 and poses no serious health risk.
“There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” Leavitt stated, adding that Trump’s cardiac function, renal health, and overall systemic condition were normal.
The noticeable bruising on Trump’s right hand, which sparked widespread online speculation, was attributed to a combination of frequent handshaking and aspirin use as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen. “This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy,” Leavitt explained, dismissing earlier suggestions that the bruising indicated a more serious issue. The White House had previously downplayed questions about the president’s hand, attributing the discoloration solely to handshaking.
In April, following a routine medical check-up, Trump declared himself to be in “very good shape.” Despite his active lifestyle, which includes regular golf, recent images of swollen ankles—particularly evident at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey—fuelled public discussion about his health. In a bid for transparency, Trump instructed his physician to share details of the diagnosis, according to Leavitt.
The health of US presidents has long been under close scrutiny, with the spotlight intensified by the advanced age of recent occupants of the White House.
Trump, who succeeded 82-year-old Joe Biden, has frequently highlighted his own energy and vitality, with his administration recently sharing an image portraying him as Superman.
Meanwhile, Trump’s team has accused the previous Biden administration of concealing evidence of the former president’s physical and mental decline, a claim that gained traction during the 2024 election campaign.
Biden, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May, faced significant questions about his health during his presidency, culminating in his decision to withdraw his re-election bid after a poor debate performance against Trump.
House Republicans have since issued subpoenas to Biden’s aides, including his physician, as part of an investigation into his mental fitness. Trump has also claimed, without evidence, that Biden’s use of an autopen—a device commonly used by presidents to replicate signatures—indicated incompetence.
Leavitt emphasised that Trump remains in excellent health and continues to carry out his duties effectively. The White House has sought to reassure the public that the president’s condition is manageable and does not affect his ability to lead.
