BREAKING! Karoline Leavitt Reveals New Health Struggle President Trump is Facing
Speculation about Donald Trump’s health has been circulating for months, with many observers noticing swelling in his legs and ankles during recent public appearances. Now, the White House has addressed the rumors directly, confirming that the former president has undergone a thorough medical evaluation to assess the issue. The statement, delivered by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, provided rare insight into the health of one of the most closely watched figures in American politics.
Leavitt began by acknowledging the growing public interest: “I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president’s hand and also swelling in the president’s legs,” she said. “In the effort of transparency, the president wanted me to share a note from his physician with all of you today.” The note, prepared by Dr. Sean Barbabella, who conducted Trump’s first physical since his return to the Oval Office, detailed the results of a comprehensive examination that included diagnostic vascular studies and a cognitive assessment.
According to Dr. Barbabella, the 79-year-old president was found to have “mild swelling in his lower legs,” a condition diagnosed as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a common but benign vascular issue that affects blood circulation in the legs. “Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70,” Barbabella’s note read. Importantly, the report confirmed that there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or arterial disease, and Trump’s laboratory tests all came back “within normal limits.”
The doctor further stated that the president underwent an echocardiogram to evaluate heart function. The results, according to the note, showed “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.” These findings effectively ruled out several serious conditions that could have explained the swelling and reassured the public that Trump’s cardiovascular system remained healthy for his age.
To put the diagnosis in perspective, the Cleveland Clinic defines chronic venous insufficiency as a condition that occurs when leg veins are damaged and unable to transport blood efficiently back to the heart. The impaired function leads to pooling of blood in the legs, causing swelling, discomfort, or visible vein changes. It’s a relatively widespread issue — affecting roughly one in twenty adults — and is more common among older adults, those who are overweight, or people who spend long hours sitting or standing.
Medical experts have largely agreed that the president’s condition is neither surprising nor alarming. Dr. Jeremy Faust, an assistant professor of emergency medicine at Harvard Medical School, told CNN that the findings were “entirely consistent with normal aging.” He elaborated: “This is a pretty normal part of getting older, especially for someone in the overweight to obese category, which is where the president has always been. The important thing is that he was evaluated to rule out more serious causes, and that appears to have been done thoroughly.”
Cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby echoed that sentiment, noting that chronic venous insufficiency can sometimes be linked to other conditions such as increased heart pressure or sleep apnea. “It’s not a life-threatening issue, but it can be a sign of circulatory stress,” Ashby said. “The key is management — compression, activity, and monitoring — which can all help prevent progression.” Another physician, Dr. Chris Pernell, added that age, weight, and limited mobility are common contributing factors, all of which apply in Trump’s case.
Still, Trump’s health remains a sensitive topic — one that consistently attracts intense scrutiny. Every public photo or video clip of the former president is dissected by both supporters and critics for signs of decline or resilience. Earlier this year, images from Trump’s appearance at a UFC event on June 9 reignited the conversation when some online commentators claimed he appeared to be wearing a catheter under his clothing. The rumors went viral within hours, prompting a firm denial from the White House.
At the time, spokesperson Steven Cheung dismissed the speculation outright, emphasizing Trump’s transparency about his health. “The President has been the most transparent president in history,” Cheung said in an email statement to Snopes. “The recent medical report that was released clearly and unequivocally shows he is in peak condition.”
The statement from Trump’s physician now provides concrete medical data to back that claim — though it also highlights the delicate balance between transparency and privacy for any sitting president. While Trump’s supporters have applauded his openness in releasing medical details, his critics argue that the timing and selective disclosure of information raise questions about what isn’t being shared. Still, the note from Dr. Barbabella leaves little room for misinterpretation: Trump’s swelling is caused by a chronic but non-serious condition, and no evidence of a more dangerous underlying disease has been found.
Public reaction has been mixed but largely focused on relief. Many see the report as confirmation that the former president’s health is stable, even as he faces the relentless pressures of political life and ongoing campaign activity. Others point to the diagnosis as a reminder that even high-profile figures are not immune to the natural effects of aging.
Medical professionals stress that chronic venous insufficiency can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes. These include regular physical activity to improve circulation, maintaining a healthy weight, and wearing compression stockings to prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. In more advanced cases, minor surgical interventions or laser treatments can be used to restore proper vein function, but those are typically reserved for severe or symptomatic patients.
In Trump’s case, there’s no indication that his condition requires anything beyond standard monitoring. Dr. Barbabella’s report suggested no limitations on the president’s physical or cognitive abilities, noting that his lab work and heart assessments showed normal results for his age group. For now, Trump’s health appears steady — a point that his team is eager to emphasize as he continues his active public schedule.
That hasn’t stopped speculation, of course. Trump’s medical history has always been a magnet for controversy, from his past claims of “excellent health” to questions about his diet and fitness habits. His doctors, however, have consistently maintained that he is fit for duty, and this latest report seems to reinforce that stance.
Ultimately, the revelation underscores a simple truth: chronic venous insufficiency may sound alarming, but in reality, it’s one of the most common vascular conditions affecting older adults. For Trump, it’s more a reminder of age than a warning of decline. As Dr. Faust put it, “This isn’t a crisis. It’s just biology catching up.”
For a man who thrives on energy, activity, and relentless movement, the diagnosis is far from a setback. If anything, it’s a testament to his continued stamina and resilience at nearly 80 years old. Whether on the campaign trail or at high-profile events, Trump shows little sign of slowing down. And for now, according to his doctors, he doesn’t need to.