**Donald Trump’s Chronic Vein Condition: Experts Clarify After Photos Spark Speculation**
Concerns regarding Donald Trump’s wellbeing have been circulating after images of the US President appeared to show his hand looking bruised and appearing to be covered in make-up. In the wake of widespread speculation, a formal statement from the White House has clarified the situation, revealing that the 79-year-old statesman has recently been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).
The initial rumours were triggered when President Trump was seen greeting the Crown Prince of Bahrain, with visible bruising on his right hand. The subject quickly became a focal point on social media and in international news outlets, prompting immediate calls for transparency surrounding the President’s health.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump had undergone a “comprehensive exam” following the onset of swelling in his legs. According to Leavitt, the discolouration on his hand was consistent with tissue damage caused by frequent handshaking, compounded by the fact that the President is currently prescribed aspirin as a preventative measure for cardiovascular health. She went on to clarify that such bruising can occur more easily in older individuals, particularly those who take blood thinners.
The official diagnosis, chronic venous insufficiency, is characterised by the inability of leg veins to efficiently pump blood back to the heart. This results in blood pooling in the lower limbs, leading to symptoms such as swelling, visible varicose veins, and changes in skin appearance. While the term may be unfamiliar to the public, medical professionals stress that CVI is both common and generally benign, particularly in the elderly population.
White House physician Dr Sean Barbabella provided reassurance by stating that Trump’s recent tests showed “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease” and that all other results, including heart and kidney function, were “within normal limits.” The statement underscored that the President is not suffering from any systemic illness or heart failure at this time.
Dr Sean Stewart, a vein specialist from the Center for Vein Restoration, explained that CVI affects up to 40% of Americans but tends to attract attention mainly when prominent figures are affected. Common treatments include lifestyle adjustments, use of medical-grade compression stockings, and, in some cases, surgical interventions. Elevating the legs at night can also help manage symptoms and improve blood flow.
Further independent medical commentary was provided by Dr Matthew Edwards, Chair of Vascular Surgery at Wake Forest University. Dr Edwards told the BBC that while CVI can be associated with other serious conditions, it is not inherently dangerous. He pointed out that its prevalence increases with age and that between 10% and 35% of people in President Trump’s age bracket may contend with similar venous issues.
Notably, experts agree on the likely cause of the bruising seen on President Trump’s hand. Both Dr Stewart and Dr Edwards noted that the combination of regular aspirin intake and advanced age increases susceptibility to bruising, especially following routine actions like vigorous handshakes.
For individuals interested in the broader context, chronic venous insufficiency most commonly arises due to faulty valves in the veins, with risk factors including obesity, a history of blood clots, or occupations that require long hours standing. Management is usually straightforward and involves non-invasive methods, though persistent or severe cases may require further medical intervention.
While any development in a sitting President’s health is bound to attract scrutiny, the expert consensus is that Donald Trump’s new diagnosis is both manageable and far from unusual. As the President continues his public engagements, medical transparency is likely to remain at the forefront, while debate about the pressures faced by world leaders deepens the public’s understanding of age-related health challenges.