By: Fern Sidman

In a statement that drew significant attention across political and medical circles, the White House confirmed Thursday that President Donald Trump, age 79, has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency following a detailed medical evaluation prompted by mild swelling in his lower legs. According to CNN, the announcement was delivered during a press briefing by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who cited a formal medical note from the president’s physician, U.S. Navy Captain Sean Barbabella.

CNN highlighted that the medical evaluation, described as a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies,” was conducted by the White House Medical Unit after President Trump himself observed mild swelling in his legs over recent weeks. Reading directly from Captain Barbabella’s statement, Leavitt explained that bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and confirmed the presence of chronic venous insufficiency — a common vascular condition, especially in individuals over the age of 70.

Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when vein valves in the legs malfunction, permitting blood to pool within the veins rather than flow efficiently back toward the heart. According to the information provided in the CNN report, this condition can lead to symptoms such as leg or ankle swelling, aching, cramping, varicose veins, and various skin changes. The risk of developing this condition, CNN noted, rises sharply with age, and approximately 150,000 new cases are diagnosed annually in the United States.

Leavitt, continuing to quote Barbabella’s findings, assured the public there was “no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease” and that all laboratory tests performed on President Trump were “within normal limits.” Furthermore, an echocardiogram—conducted as part of the examination—showed “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.”

In her remarks, which CNN broadcast in full during its afternoon programming, Leavitt emphasized that President Trump is experiencing “no discomfort” related to the diagnosis. She added that a more detailed letter from Captain Barbabella would be forthcoming, outlining potential treatment options or preventive measures for the condition.

Addressing further questions from the White House press corps, Leavitt also commented on visible bruising recently seen on the back of the president’s hand. According to the physician’s note, the bruising is “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking” and Trump’s use of aspirin, which is reportedly part of his standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.

CNN medical analysts weighed in on the significance of the diagnosis, noting that while chronic venous insufficiency can be uncomfortable or require management, it is generally considered a manageable condition, especially in active individuals who remain under regular medical supervision. CNN also stressed the importance of transparency in presidential health matters, referencing the history of White House disclosures about the medical conditions of sitting presidents.

At age 79, Trump stands on the brink of becoming the oldest U.S. president to serve a second term—a fact that the CNN report noted in its analysis of the political implications of Thursday’s announcement. While questions about age and health have persisted in political discourse, the White House remains firm in presenting Trump’s medical status as stable and unremarkable for a man of his age.

Throughout the afternoon, CNN repeatedly aired segments analyzing the White House statement, with correspondents underscoring both the clinical details provided by Barbabella and the broader public interest in presidential health disclosures. Several CNN medical contributors characterized the administration’s release of detailed medical information as “proactive,” noting that the transparency could serve to allay concerns about Trump’s ability to serve in high office.

As CNN reported, the next formal update on President Trump’s condition is expected in the form of a written communication from Captain Barbabella. Until then, the White House maintains that Trump is in good health, continuing his duties without interruption.