The White House confirmed Thursday that former U.S. President Donald Trump is suffering from chronic venous insufficiency in both legs, a common but non-serious condition often seen in older adults, after noticeable bruising on his hands and legs sparked speculation about his health.
Speaking to reporters, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump underwent medical imaging after signs of swelling in his lower legs and visible bruises on the backs of his hands. The results, she noted, showed no serious abnormalities.
"Ultrasound imaging revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a condition not uncommon in individuals over 70,” said Leavitt, citing a letter from Trump's personal physician. “It is benign and manageable.”
The announcement comes after sharp-eyed observers noticed an unusual purplish bruise on Trump's right hand earlier this week as he boarded Marine One. The bruise appeared to be covered in makeup, sparking fresh debates online and in the press regarding his overall health.
Photographs showed that the makeup used to conceal the mark did not match Trump’s natural skin tone, and in some frames, what looked like a small wound or scar was visible beneath the makeup. A similar mark was also visible during his meeting with Bahrain’s Crown Prince on Wednesday.
This is not the first time such bruising has been spotted. Back in February, during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump's right hand appeared yellowish and swollen, also seemingly covered in makeup, raising questions from health experts.
Leavitt downplayed the concerns, attributing the bruises to frequent handshakes combined with Trump’s daily low-dose aspirin regimen, a common preventive measure for cardiovascular health.
"President Trump meets more Americans and shakes more hands than any other president in history,” she said. “These marks are consistent with minor soft tissue irritation.”
Still, some medical professionals have expressed concern. Dr. Stuart Fischer, an internal medicine specialist in New York, told The Daily Mail earlier this year that such bruising could stem from degenerative joint disease or fragile blood vessels, both of which are exacerbated by age.
“At 79, Trump is the second-oldest president in U.S. history. Natural aging weakens the vascular system, making bruises more pronounced,” Dr. Fischer said. “It’s likely a combination of factors at play.”
Despite the recurring signs, Trump has maintained that he is in excellent health. Following his latest annual medical examination, his team released a statement affirming that he is in “excellent overall condition.”
As Trump intensifies public appearances and campaign-style events, questions around his stamina and transparency on health matters are likely to remain in the spotlight.
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