Following growing speculation, the White House confirmed that former President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition typically affecting older adults. The announcement came after viral images showed visible bruises on Trump’s hands and swelling in his legs.
White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt described the illness as “benign and common,” explaining it involves damaged veins that hinder proper blood flow. A letter from Trump’s doctor attributed the bruising to “minor soft tissue irritation” from frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
Chronic venous insufficiency can cause leg pain, swelling, itching, skin discoloration, and heaviness. If untreated, it may result in ulcers and reduced quality of life. According to the NIH, around 150,000 new cases occur each year.
At 79, Trump is the oldest person elected president and has often used his age and health as political talking points. During the 2024 campaign, he frequently questioned Joe Biden’s cognitive fitness. Biden eventually withdrew from the race in July, handing the Democratic nomination to Kamala Harris, who later lost to Trump.