President Donald Trump underwent a physical exam this week after images showing swelling in his legs spread across social media, prompting public speculation about his health.
On Thursday, July 17, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the president had been evaluated by the White House Medical Unit and was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency — a common and non-life-threatening condition, especially in adults over the age of 70.
“In the interest of transparency, the president asked that I share a note from his physician,” Leavitt said during her briefing. “There has been speculation about swelling in the president’s legs and a bruise on his hand — both of which were examined this week.”
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According to the medical note released by Dr. Sean Barbabella, President Trump noticed mild swelling in his lower legs in recent weeks and underwent a full evaluation. After testing, Barbabella determined the cause to be chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition where damaged leg veins impair blood flow back to the heart, causing blood to pool and leading to swelling.
Barbabella emphasized that CVI is “benign and common” in seniors and confirmed that the president “remains in excellent health.”
The diagnosis came just days after photos of President Trump watching the FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium went viral. While seated next to First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the president’s pant legs rode up, revealing noticeably swollen ankles.
Photos also showed what appeared to be makeup covering a bruise on the back of his right hand during a July 16 meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the White House. Similar bruising had been observed earlier this year during a visit with French President Emmanuel Macron.
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Dr. Barbabella’s note addressed the hand bruising as well, attributing it to minor irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which Trump takes as part of a standard cardiovascular regimen.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, CVI affects about 5% of adults and can result from previous blood clots or other vein damage. President Trump, however, was cleared of deep vein thrombosis or any serious complications.
Despite the online chatter, the White House made clear there is no cause for concern and that President Trump continues to carry out his duties without limitation.
