President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common and non-life-threatening vein condition, after he experienced noticeable swelling in his legs, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced Thursday.
The president underwent a comprehensive medical evaluation after observing mild swelling, particularly in his ankles.
Photos taken over the weekend at the Club World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, sparked public speculation when they showed visible swelling around Trump’s lower legs.
Karoline Leavitt addresses speculation about President Trump’s bruised hand and swollen anklespic.twitter.com/gkqpypUwUW
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Speaking at the White House briefing, Leavitt read from a letter written by the president’s physician. The letter confirmed that the swelling is the result of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a condition in which leg veins have difficulty pushing blood back up toward the heart.
This results in blood pooling in the lower extremities and can cause swelling, discomfort, and skin discoloration. The condition is considered benign and is extremely common in adults over the age of 70.
Leavitt emphasized that there was no sign of more serious issues, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease, both of which can lead to life-threatening complications like blood clots. “All diagnostic studies returned normal results,” Leavitt said.
“All tests came back within normal ranges,” she confirmed. “There were no signs of impaired heart or kidney function, nor any indication of systemic illness.”
Leavitt also addressed recent questions about minor bruising on the president’s hand, seen in recent public appearances. “That is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin,” she explained. Trump reportedly takes a low-dose aspirin daily as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen — a common practice for men his age.
The White House has released the physician’s full letter to the public in an effort to address concerns and be transparent about the president’s health status.
Chronic venous insufficiency is a relatively widespread condition in older adults. According to Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Cleveland Clinic, roughly 1 in 20 American adults are affected by CVI. It typically emerges in individuals over 50, with risk increasing with age.
The condition occurs when valves in the leg veins become weakened or damaged, causing blood to flow backward or pool rather than return efficiently to the heart. This results in symptoms like:
Swelling in the legs and ankles, Cramping or aching in the legs, Tingling, tiredness, or heavines, Itchy, reddish-brown, or leathery skin, Skin ulcers in more advanced cases
People who are overweight, have a family history of vein issues, or have previously sustained leg injuries are at higher risk. Additional risk factors include smoking, inactivity, prolonged sitting or standing, and high blood pressure in the leg veins.
While CVI is not typically dangerous, it can become uncomfortable and disruptive if left untreated. Fortunately, there are many effective management strategies. Treatments range from lifestyle changes — such as losing weight, exercising, and wearing compression socks — to medications, minimally invasive procedures, and, in rare cases, surgery.
President in “Excellent Overall Health”
Despite the diagnosis, Leavitt assured reporters that President Trump remains in excellent overall health and continues to maintain a full work schedule. The condition does not interfere with his duties as president, and his medical team will continue monitoring him closely.
The announcement appears to be aimed at quelling rumors and reasserting confidence in the president’s health as he continues his second term in office.