Trump Diagnosed With Chronic Venous Insufficiency, White House Confirms

President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vascular condition, the White House announced Thursday.

Trump, 79, underwent a full medical evaluation, including diagnostic vascular studies, conducted by the White House Medical Unit, according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. She read from a letter issued by the president’s physician, Capt. Sean Barbabella.

Barbabella’s note, later released publicly, stated that bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds revealed chronic venous insufficiency—described as a benign and frequently seen condition, particularly in people over the age of 70.

The medical evaluation was prompted by “mild swelling in the lower legs” that Trump had reported in recent weeks, Leavitt said.

Crucially, Barbabella noted there was no indication of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease. All lab results were within normal ranges. Trump also underwent an echocardiogram, which showed “no signs of heart failure, kidney issues, or systemic illness”, the letter stated.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when valves in the leg veins fail to function properly, causing blood to pool in the lower extremities. It is more prevalent with age and can present with symptoms like leg swelling, aching, cramping, varicose veins, and skin changes. Treatment options range from medication to more advanced procedures in later stages.

Dr. Jeremy Faust, an emergency medicine specialist at Harvard Medical School, told CNN that the diagnosis is not cause for alarm.

“This is fairly typical with ageing, especially in someone classified as overweight or obese, which has long been the case with President Trump,” he said.

Faust emphasized that such symptoms should still be evaluated to rule out more serious health conditions—which Trump’s doctors have done.

Cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby also noted that while the condition itself is common, it can sometimes be a sign of underlying issues, such as elevated pressure in the heart or lungs.

“The bigger question is, what’s driving the venous insufficiency?” he said.

Ashby added that Trump’s medical team was thorough in screening for potential complications like heart failure or pulmonary hypertension.

Chronic venous insufficiency is associated with factors like ageing, obesity, inactivity, and prolonged sitting or standing.

“While not life-threatening, it can become debilitating,” public health expert Dr. Chris Pernell told CNN.

Leavitt assured reporters that Trump is not experiencing any discomfort from the condition.

She also addressed recent bruising seen on the back of Trump’s hand, attributing it to frequent handshaking and regular aspirin use. Barbabella’s letter confirmed that the bruising was consistent with minor soft tissue irritation and a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen that includes aspirin.

The physician concluded the update by stating that “President Trump remains in excellent health.”

If re-elected, Trump would become the oldest president in U.S. history to serve a second term.