U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a long-term but non-life-threatening vein condition, the White House confirmed Thursday. The announcement follows widespread speculation about Trump’s visible hand bruising and swelling in his lower legs.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the 79-year-old president reported mild leg swelling in recent weeks, prompting medical evaluations. Ultrasound tests confirmed the condition, which affects blood flow in the legs and is common among individuals over 70. Importantly, doctors found no signs of deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, or systemic disease, she said.
Trump’s bruised right hand, which drew public attention during recent appearances, including at the FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, was attributed to “frequent handshaking” combined with aspirin therapy, a standard cardiovascular preventive measure. Leavitt emphasized this is a benign side effect and that the president remains in “excellent health.”
Trump, who began his second term in January after defeating then-82-year-old President Joe Biden, is the oldest person to ever assume the U.S. presidency. Despite his age, he often touts his stamina and is regularly seen golfing. In April, Trump declared himself in “very good shape” following a routine medical check-up.
However, online chatter about his physical condition had grown, prompting the president to instruct Leavitt to publicly share his physician’s findings “in the effort of transparency.”
The health of U.S. presidents is historically subject to scrutiny, but the focus has intensified as the country has elected its two oldest leaders in recent history. Trump’s administration has accused the previous Biden White House of concealing the former president’s physical and mental decline — claims that gained traction following Biden’s poor debate performance in 2024, which led him to withdraw from the race for a second term.
Trump allies in Congress have launched investigations into Biden’s fitness for office, issuing subpoenas to aides and raising concerns about his use of the autopen — a mechanical signature tool long used by public officials. Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in May but maintained he was mentally sharp and believed he could have secured re-election.
As scrutiny of presidential health continues across party lines, Trump’s team has sought to get ahead of speculation, portraying the president’s condition as routine and manageable, with no impact on his ability to lead.