A couple of images floating around social media lately show Donald Trump with noticeably swollen hands and feet. In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the buzz: Trump has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), a condition linked to ageing.
Donald Trump diagnosed with CVI
White House doctor Sean Barbella weighed in, confirming that Donald Trump was checked after mild ankle swelling. Thankfully, more serious problems like deep vein thrombosis or arterial blockages were ruled out. CVI, Barbella said, isn’t life-threatening; it’s common in those over 70. It happens when veins in the legs don’t pump blood back up efficiently, causing it to pool in the lower limbs.
Message from White House physician is released ====> pic.twitter.com/MZd2evGW9d
— Scott MacFarlane (@MacFarlaneNews) July 17, 2025
About CVI
Chronic Venous Insufficiency occurs when leg veins struggle to return blood efficiently to the heart, causing it to pool in the lower limbs. Early signs are often subtle, such as ankle puffiness, a heavy or burning feeling in the legs, and maybe some itchiness. Over time, skin near the ankles can darken, and visible veins may appear. If untreated, CVI can lead to ulcers or other conditions. Factors like long periods of standing, being overweight, or even repetitive actions—perhaps frequent handshaking or daily aspirin use—might have worsened Trump’s vein health. Diagnosis is painless, done via duplex ultrasound, and most cases respond well to compression stockings, exercise, dietary tweaks, or medications.
