On July 17, 2025, the White House publicly announced that United States President Donald Trump is suffering from a chronic vein condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. This statement came amid rising speculation surrounding images that depicted bruising on Trump’s hand, which had captivated public interest and prompted concerns over his health over the past few days.
The announcement was made by White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who provided context regarding Trump’s recent health issues. Following a significant occurrence of swelling in his legs, Trump underwent a comprehensive medical examination, which included a diagnostic vascular study. These assessments revealed the condition, which can often occur when leg veins do not effectively transport blood back to the heart, leading to the accumulation of blood in the lower extremities, resulting in swelling.
Leavitt elaborated on the implications of the condition, pointing out that such vein insufficiency is quite common, especially among individuals over the age of 70. Notably, she reassured the public by stating that all test results were “within normal limits” and indicated there was “no evidence” of deep vein thrombosis or arterial diseases. The White House has also promised that a full medical report will be made available to the media for transparency.
Photographs taken during public engagements, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup final held in New Jersey on July 13, raised eyebrows when they showcased Trump’s visibly swollen legs. Additional images from earlier in the week displayed bruising on his hands as he met with Bahraini Prime Minister, Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, at the White House. Prior to these incidents, there had been previous observations of bruising, including a notable case during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in February. The resurfacing of these photographs online sparked unfounded speculation about whether Trump was concealing a more serious health issue.
In line with the official narrative, Trump, who is currently 79 years old, has consistently proclaimed himself as being in excellent health, once labeling himself the “healthiest president that’s ever lived.” This declaration comes as a counter to the surrounding rumors, with the White House physician, Sean Barbabella, having earlier assessed that Trump had exhibited cognitive and physical health during his annual check-up in April of this year.
Despite the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, conditions related to aging such as these are not entirely unexpected at Trump’s advanced age. In fact, Trump was acknowledged to be the oldest president ever inaugurated when he began his second term in January 2025, at the age of 78 years and seven months. This age-related context may also influence public perception and scrutiny regarding his health status.
As this incident unfolds, the White House remains committed to providing updates on Trump’s health while navigating concerns and speculation from the public and media alike. The situation serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by aging political leaders and the intense scrutiny they attract, given the significant public interest in their health and well-being.
