Washington, D.C. – In a surprise health disclosure that quickly drew national attention, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt announced on Thursday that President Donald J. Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common circulatory condition affecting blood flow in the legs.
The announcement came amid public speculation fueled by recent photographs showing noticeable swelling around the President’s ankles. Leavitt addressed the matter directly during a White House briefing, reading from a memorandum by the President’s physician, Capt. Sean P. Barbabella, D.O. She stressed that the condition is benign, manageable, and unrelated to any serious cardiac issues.
According to the White House physician’s memo, President Trump, 79, reported mild swelling in his lower legs over recent weeks. Out of an abundance of caution, he underwent a comprehensive evaluation by the White House Medical Unit. This included diagnostic vascular studies and bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds, which confirmed the diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
Importantly, the tests ruled out more serious concerns such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), arterial disease, or any heart-related problems. An echocardiogram showed normal cardiac structure and function, and all laboratory results were within normal limits. Leavitt emphasized that the President “remains in excellent health” overall.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the one-way valves in the leg veins weaken or become damaged over time. These valves normally help push blood upward against gravity back toward the heart. When they fail, blood can pool in the lower extremities, leading to swelling (edema), a feeling of heaviness or aching, and in some cases, skin changes. The condition is particularly common in adults over 70, those who stand for long periods, or individuals with a history of vascular wear-and-tear.
Leavitt also addressed visible bruising on the back of the President’s hand, attributing it to frequent handshaking combined with his daily low-dose aspirin regimen, which he takes for cardiovascular prevention.
Medical experts note that CVI is generally not life-threatening and can often be managed effectively with conservative measures such as leg elevation, compression stockings, regular exercise, weight management, and in some cases, minimally invasive procedures. The White House indicated that President Trump is receiving appropriate care and continues to carry out his duties without interruption.
This update follows Trump’s April 2025 annual physical, which described him as being in good health with unimpaired blood flow to his extremities at the time. The latest disclosure appears to reflect a proactive response to visible changes rather than an acute medical event.
The announcement has prompted renewed discussion about presidential health transparency, though officials framed the condition as a routine age-related issue rather than a cause for alarm. As President Trump continues his term, the White House says he will maintain his vigorous schedule while monitoring the manageable condition.
