Leavitt says doctors diagnosed Trump with chronic venous insufficiency

Trump diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt read a doctor?s letter on Thursday that was intended to dispel health concerns about the swelling in Trump?s ankles and a makeup covered hand.

The White House moved to shut down growing speculation Thursday about President Donald Trump’s health, citing what it called minor and routine conditions.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters directly, saying "I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president's hand and also swelling in the president's legs."

"In keeping with routine medical care and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House Medical Unit," Levitt said. 

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: Makeup covers a bruise on the back of U.S. President Donald Trump's hand as he hosts French President Emmanuel Macron for meetings at the White House on February 24, 2025 in Washington, DC. Macron is meeting with Trump i

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In "the effort of transparency," Leavitt doctors ran vascular studies and bilateral venous Doppler ultrasounds, ultimately diagnosing Trump with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition Leavitt described as "benign and common, particularly in individuals over the age of 70."

What is chronic venous insufficiency?

WASHINGTON DC, UNITED STATES - JULY 16: United States President Donald Trump greets the Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa at the White House in Washington DC on Monday, July 16, 2025. A brui

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According to the National Institute of Health, chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition that encompasses several pathological changes (eg, lower extremity edema, skin trophic changes, and discomfort) secondary to venous hypertension.

Letter from Trump's doctor details condition

The president is in excellent health, according to his physician, aside from a very common and benign malady.

Why you should care:

She emphasized there was "no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease," and said a full panel of lab tests and an echocardiogram showed "normal cardiac structure and function."

As for the hand bruising spotted in recent photos, Leavitt chalked it up to "minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin," which Trump reportedly takes as part of a preventive heart health regimen.

"This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy," she said. "The president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here."

What we don't know:

Without specifics on his treatment plan, it’s hard to assess how CVI might affect Trump’s stamina during public events or long flights.

• The White House did not disclose how Trump will be treated or whether the condition will impact his travel or campaign schedule.
• It’s unclear how long Trump has experienced symptoms or if there’s a history of venous disease.