Donald Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency After Experiencing Leg Swelling

Trump Diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency After Leg Swelling

Donald Trump underwent a medical evaluation on Thursday following visible swelling in his legs. Doctors later diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a common but potentially debilitating condition, especially in people over 70.

Public Speculation Sparks Medical Disclosure

Recent photos of Trump’s noticeably swollen ankles fueled online speculation about his health. In response, the White House Medical Unit conducted a full vascular evaluation, including bilateral venous Doppler ultrasounds.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a note from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, stating that the president had experienced “mild swelling in his lower legs.” The tests confirmed chronic venous insufficiency, a condition caused by poor bl0*d flow in the veins of the legs.

What the Doctors Found

According to Dr. Barbabella, there were no signs of deep vein thrombosis, heart failure, or systemic illness. Trump’s lab results were normal, and an echocardiogram showed no evidence of renal or cardiac impairment.

Experts Weigh In: Common, But Serious

CNN reports that roughly 150,000 Americans are diagnosed with CVI each year. Symptoms include leg swelling, aching, cramping, skin changes, and in some cases, chronic pain.

Dr. Jeremy Faust, a Harvard emergency medicine professor, called Trump’s diagnosis “not alarming,” noting it’s typical for someone his age and weight. However, he emphasized that such symptoms must be evaluated for more severe conditions—as was done in this case.

Dr. Bernard Ashby, a cardiologist, warned that CVI could signal underlying problems like increased heart or lung pressure. “The key question,” he said, “is what’s causing the venous insufficiency?”

Dr. Chris Pernell added that age, obesity, and inactivity are all risk factors. While not life-threatening, she cautioned, “It can be debilitating.”

Viral Speculation: Is Trump Wearing a Catheter?

In a separate controversy, a viral photo from a UFC event on June 9 sparked fresh health rumors. Trump was pictured with fighter Kayla Harrison, and social media users speculated he was wearing a Foley catheter and possibly leg braces.

One post alleged visible tubing down his pants, suggesting he receives infusion therapy. Another said every step Trump takes “sounds like the sloshing of a Capri Sun.”

However, skeptics pushed back. “That’s not a catheter,” one user countered. “It’s a crease in close-fitting pants. Foley catheters are not typically used in active patients.”