White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has officially addressed the growing online speculation surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent appearance and health.
Trump Sparks Concern at Club World Cup Appearance
During an unexpected appearance at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday (July 13), the 79-year-old president drew public attention for multiple reasons. In addition to surprising the winning team, Chelsea FC, by holding onto the trophy longer than expected, he raised eyebrows over what appeared to be swollen ankles.
Photos of Trump seated next to his wife Melania in the stands quickly went viral, showing what seemed to be swelling in the lower parts of both his legs. Online users speculated about how he was even able to fit his visibly puffy feet into his shoes.
One post on X read:
“Trump’s ankles — VERY swollen. People are talking. Doctors? Silent. Media? Going CRAZY. Could be nothing… could be something BIG. He says he’s strong as ever, but those ankles look like they’ve been through a LOT. Not great. Not great at all.”
Another added:
“If he put his shoes on when he first got up or shortly after, they may have fit okay then. But once up and walking around, his ankles became more swollen. I will say it’s not that unusual in elderly folks. He’ll probably have shoe-shaped indents when he takes his shoes off.”
Diagnosis: Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Leavitt has now confirmed that Trump’s ankle swelling is due to chronic venous insufficiency—a circulatory issue that affects how blood returns from the legs to the heart.
She addressed the issue while also commenting on separate speculation about bruising on Trump’s hands. According to Leavitt, the marks were the result of “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin”, which Trump takes as a preventative measure for heart health.
“In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today,” she said.
Leavitt continued:
“In recent weeks, President Trump noted mild swelling in his lower legs. In keeping with routine medical care, and out of an abundance of caution, this concern was thoroughly evaluated by the White House medical unit.”
She explained that Trump underwent a full examination, including venous Doppler ultrasounds on both legs, which led to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency—a fairly common condition among people over 70.
No Signs of Serious Illness
Importantly, the press secretary clarified:
“There was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease. An echocardiogram was also performed and confirmed normal cardiac structure and function, no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness were identified additionally.”
Previous Bruising Incident Also Addressed
Just days before, Trump was photographed boarding Marine One on July 15 en route to Pittsburgh. Observers noticed what looked like a bruise on his hand, partially hidden beneath what some claimed was makeup.
Social media users speculated whether it was used to conceal an IV mark or simply a sign of aging. Theories quickly spread, prompting Leavitt to step in once again.
Speaking to The Daily Beast, she said:
“President Trump is a man of the people and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering and he proves that every single day.”