Trending 
US President Donald Trump has been diagnosed with a long-term but non-threatening vein condition, according to the White House, on Thursday, after concerns were raised about his bruised hand and swollen legs.
The 79-year-old was diagnosed with “chronic venous insufficiency” after he “observed mild swelling in his lower legs” during the past few weeks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters.
Leavitt explained that the notable discolouration on Trump’s right hand was due to “frequent handshaking” and the consumption of aspirin as part of a “standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”
Trump became the oldest person in US history to take the presidency when he began his second term this January, succeeding Democrat Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left office.
The Republican often boasts about his high energy levels and frequently engages in golf; the administration even recently shared an image portraying him as Superman.
In April, Trump said after a routine medical examination that he was in “very good shape.”
However, Leavitt’s comments followed widespread online discussions regarding the president’s noticeably swollen ankles, especially evident at the recent FIFA Club World Cup final in New Jersey, along with his discoloured right hand.
Leavitt said that Trump had requested her to disclose a message from his physician regarding the diagnosis “to promote transparency.” She noted he had undergone “a comprehensive examination,” and ultrasound tests indicated chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and typical condition, especially in individuals over the age of 70.”
This condition relates to damaged leg veins that struggle to maintain proper blood circulation. Previously, the White House had dismissed inquiries about Trump’s bruised hand on multiple occasions, attributing it solely to the act of handshaking.
The health of US presidents has always attracted close attention, but with the White House experiencing its two oldest occupants since 2017, scrutiny has intensified.
Trump’s administration has recently reaffirmed assertions that Biden’s White House concealed information regarding the Democrat’s physical and mental decline.
Biden’s health became a significant topic in the 2024 election, and the then-president had to withdraw his campaign for a second term following a poor debate performance against Trump.
House Republicans have issued subpoenas to several aides of Biden, including his doctor, to compel them to provide testimony regarding an investigation into the Democrat’s mental fitness.
Trump has claimed, without evidence, that Biden’s reliance on a so-called “autopen” to sign documents, including presidential pardons, demonstrated his lack of competence to lead. The autopen—a mechanical device used to replicate signatures—has long been used by presidents and other notable figures in Washington.
In May, Biden was diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer. He has dismissed inquiries about his mental sharpness while in office and expressed confidence that he could have won a second term.
