U.S. President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a non-life-threatening but chronic condition affecting blood flow in the legs, the White House confirmed on Thursday, July 17, 2025.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters the condition was identified after the 79-year-old president sought medical attention for swollen legs. According to Leavitt, the diagnosis is “benign and common,” and does not pose a serious health threat.
The condition, chronic venous insufficiency, occurs when leg veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart, often due to weakened or damaged valves. It is most common in older adults and may cause swelling, aching, varicose veins, or changes in the skin. An estimated 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with it each year. Treatment can range from lifestyle changes and medication to minor procedures in more advanced cases.
In response to public speculation over recent photographs showing bruising on Trump’s hand, Leavitt explained that the marks were due to “minor soft tissue irritation” from frequent handshakes combined with routine aspirin use, part of the president’s cardiovascular prevention plan.
Quoting presidential physician Dr. Barbabella’s assessment, Leavitt stated there was “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” and confirmed that all of Trump’s lab results were “within normal limits.” An echocardiogram also ruled out heart failure, kidney issues, or systemic illness.
“This is not alarming information, and frankly not surprising,” said Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency medicine expert at Harvard Medical School. “It’s a typical age-related condition, particularly in someone in the overweight or obese category, which President Trump has long been.”
Dr. Faust emphasized that while the diagnosis is common, it’s essential to evaluate such symptoms to rule out more serious concerns—something the president’s medical team appears to have done thoroughly.
Leavitt concluded that President Trump is not experiencing any discomfort and said further details on treatment would be outlined in an upcoming letter from Dr. Barbabella.
