Following much conjecture, the White House issued a statement announcing Donald Trump’s diagnosis of a chronic illness.
The disclosure followed online outcry over claims of Trump’s hands having visible bruises and his legs swelled.
Speaking to reporters Thursday, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described chronic venous insufficiency as a “benign and common” problem that usually affects the elderly, according to Forbes.
In a letter from Trump’s doctor, Leavitt explained, “It’s a condition in which damaged veins prevent blood from flowing properly.”
Following photos that seemed to show visible bruises on Trump’s hands, which Leavitt said were “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” the diagnosis was made in response to growing public interest.
The National Institutes of Health states that “incompetent venous valves” are typically the cause of chronic venous insufficiency.
Leg pain, swelling, itching, skin discoloration, limb heaviness, and edema are some of the symptoms.
It can lead to more severe complications like venous ulcers and “diminished quality of life and loss of work productivity” if treatment is not received. According to NIH estimates, approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually.
Trump, who is 79 years old and the oldest president of the United States, has frequently used his age and health as a political talking point, especially during his 2024 reelection campaign.
Trump frequently criticized then-President Joe Biden’s physical and mental health during the election season, pointing to indications of “cognitive decline.”
As a result of mounting internal pressure, Biden finally withdrew from the race in July, handing the Democratic torch to Kamala Harris, who ultimately lost to Trump in the general election.
Leavitt stressed that Trump’s test results were “within normal limits” and demonstrated “normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness,” despite the public’s focus on his personal health. Additionally, she said that there was “no evidence” of more severe illnesses like “arterial disease or deep vein thrombosis.”
Leavitt refused to elaborate when asked if Trump would receive any particular treatment for the ailment, referring instead to the White House doctor. She said, “We’ll let the doctor handle that.”
It has become customary for U.S. presidents to share their yearly physicals and health updates, even though they are not legally required to do so.
Trump’s medical transparency—or lack thereof—has previously garnered media attention.
Harold Bornstein, his longtime doctor, famously said during his 2015 campaign that he would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” Later, Bornstein acknowledged that Trump had written the outrageous letter himself.
