Trump, 79, has chronic venous insufficiency, according to the White House physician. The condition happens when an individual’s leg veins struggle to pump blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt made the disclosure at the top of a routine press briefing Thursday, after images had been circulating online of Trump with swollen legs at the FIFA Club World Cup and a bruised hand covered in makeup.
During the campaign, Trump often boasted of his physical health and stamina as he sought to draw a contrast with former President Biden. While in office, he has continued to accuse Biden and his aides of covering up the former president’s alleged mental decline.
Experts said it’s not unusual for an administration to be reticent about sharing a president’s personal health information, but in this case the obvious nature of Trump’s condition made hiding it virtually impossible.
“Presidents don't like to talk about their health unless they are forced to,” former White House physician Jeffrey Kuhlman said. “When you have bruises on your hands and swollen ankles ... you don't get brownie points for this.”
Critics have accused Trump of trying to hide the true details of his health behind bluster. He's pledged to release his medical records, but his campaign did not share any basic health data.
In April, Trump underwent an annual physical exam, but the details released were positive and largely hyperbolic.
For instance, White House physician Sean Barbabella wrote that Trump lives an active lifestyle that includes multiple meetings, public appearances and “frequent victories in golf events.”
