
Trump's swollen ankles caused by chronic vein condition, White House reveals
Photographs of the US president's enlarged ankles at the Fifa World Club Cup on Saturday prompted speculation about the state of his health.
Questions only grew after Mr Trump appeared on Tuesday with an apparent bruise on his hand, which seemed to have been covered over with makeup.
On Thursday, Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, revealed Mr Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following tests by the White House medical team.
The condition develops when blood does not efficiently return from the heart to the legs, and is often the result of damaged vein valves.
'The president underwent a comprehensive examination… [which] revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,' Ms Leavitt told reporters.
'Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.'
JUST IN: President Trump underwent vascular testing after he had swelling in his legs.
"All results were within normal limits ... and the president remains in excellent health," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. https://t.co/47rRrwKvNK pic.twitter.com/IL9JJFubAA
— ABC News (@ABC) July 17, 2025
However, the condition can develop into more serious conditions if left untreated, such as deep vein thrombosis.
The White House said the bruising to Mr Trump's hands was a consequence of his frequent handshaking and aspirin consumption.
'Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hands,' Ms Leavitt told reporters.
'This is 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. This is a well known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy.'
Mr Trump is in 'excellent health' and not experiencing 'any discomfort', she added.
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