Donald Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What It Means for the Former President

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, now 79 years old, has been diagnosed with a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency, according to an official update from the White House. The announcement comes after public concern over visible swelling in his legs and bruising on his hands.

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🔎 What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Chronic venous insufficiency is a common circulatory disorder in which weakened vein walls or valves in the legs cause poor blood flow. This often results in leg swelling, varicose veins, or skin discoloration. The condition is especially prevalent among individuals over the age of 70, as confirmed by Trump’s physician in a statement read by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

“This is a benign and manageable condition,” Leavitt assured the press during a briefing on Thursday, July 17, 2025.

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💬 Trump's Health Update: What the Tests Showed

Following routine physical exams and concerns over minor bruises, the White House confirmed that:

• There is no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease.

• Trump's cardiac structure and function remain normal.

• There are no signs of heart failure, kidney problems, or other systemic illnesses.

These findings provide reassurance that Donald Trump’s overall health remains stable, despite online speculation fueled by images of bruising on his hand.

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🤝 What About the Bruises on Trump’s Hands?

Images showing apparent discoloration on Trump’s hands had gone viral online, prompting widespread public speculation. However, Leavitt clarified that the bruises are likely due to:

• Frequent handshaking during campaign events.

• Aspirin use, which is commonly prescribed as part of a cardiovascular health regimen.

These explanations align with common side effects and are not indicative of any serious health issues, according to Trump's medical team.

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📅 Presidential Health Transparency: A Political Tradition

While not legally mandated, it has become a modern tradition for U.S. presidents to release health information to the public, promoting transparency. Trump has followed this practice throughout his political career.

Flashback: The 2015 Health Letter Controversy

During his first presidential campaign in 2015, Trump’s then-personal physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, claimed Trump would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.” Bornstein later revealed that Trump himself dictated the exaggerated letter.

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🗳️ Trump, Biden, and Age in Politics

Trump’s age has often been a point of discussion, especially in contrast with Joe Biden, who is three years older. In fact, Biden’s age and health became a significant issue in the 2024 campaign, eventually leading him to withdraw from the race under party pressure. His exit paved the way for Kamala Harris, who later lost to Trump in the general election.

Despite being the oldest person ever elected President of the United States, Trump has repeatedly attacked Biden's age and cognitive ability, making his own health updates even more politically significant.

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📌 Conclusion

While Donald Trump’s diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency has triggered media attention, medical evaluations show that the condition is non-life-threatening and manageable, especially with age-appropriate care. The former president's vital signs remain within normal limits, and his bruises are explained by routine campaigning and preventative medication.

As the 2028 presidential buzz begins to grow, the public will likely keep a close eye on Trump’s health updates—especially as he remains a central figure in U.S. politics.

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