Donald Trump’s health has once again become a topic of public discussion after recent photographs from the NATO summit appeared to show increased swelling around his ankles.
The images quickly sparked renewed debate because Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) last year, a condition that affects blood flow in the legs. While the White House continues to maintain that the president is fit to serve, medical experts say certain lifestyle habits may contribute to worsening symptoms.
The latest public appearance has also revived conversations about his mobility, visible hand bruising, and a series of verbal mistakes that fueled speculation about his overall health.
Trump’s Swollen Ankles Raise Questions
During a bilateral meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Turkey, photographers captured close-up images showing Trump’s noticeably swollen ankles extending over the tops of his shoes. Similar images surfaced last year, but the latest photographs appeared to show more pronounced swelling.
When asked about Trump’s condition, the White House declined to provide additional medical details. Instead, spokesperson Davis Ingle criticized The Daily Beast in a statement directed at the publication rather than addressing the health-related questions.
Trump, now 80 years old, was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in 2025 after visible swelling around his lower legs prompted widespread media attention. The White House acknowledged the diagnosis only after photographs from a soccer event in New Jersey showed swelling while Trump was seated between First Lady Melania Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
What Is Chronic Venous Insufficiency?
Chronic venous insufficiency develops when the veins in the legs struggle to return blood efficiently to the heart. As a result, blood collects in the lower limbs, causing swelling, discomfort, heaviness, and fatigue. According to medical data, the condition affects up to 40% of adults in the United States.
Although CVI is generally not considered life-threatening, untreated cases can reduce mobility and increase the risk of painful skin ulcers and other long-term complications. Managing the condition often involves regular movement, maintaining a healthy body weight, wearing compression stockings, and following other lifestyle measures recommended by healthcare professionals.
Expert Explains Lifestyle Concerns
Dr. Sanjiv Lakhanpal, founder and chief executive of the Center for Vein Restoration, suggested that some of Trump’s reported habits could make CVI symptoms more difficult to manage.
Trump has frequently been reported to spend late-night hours posting on Truth Social instead of maintaining a regular sleep schedule. According to Dr. Lakhanpal, poor sleep, physical fatigue, and limited use of recommended treatments may contribute to worsening symptoms.
“He’s probably doing all the things people with CVI should not be doing,” Dr. Lakhanpal told The Daily Beast.
He added, “If you don’t maintain a certain kind of lifestyle—which would be maintaining a certain BMI (body mass index)—and you’re up at odd times, and you’re not using compression socks so you’re fatigued, this won’t be helping.”
Compression socks are widely recommended for people living with CVI because they help improve blood circulation in the legs. Trump reportedly tried wearing them briefly after his diagnosis but later stopped. Speaking to The Wall Street Journal, he explained, “I didn’t like them.”
Other Visible Health Concerns
The swelling was not the only physical issue noticed during the NATO summit. Recent photographs also showed persistent bruising on Trump’s hands. The White House has previously stated that the bruises result from frequent handshakes combined with his regular aspirin regimen.
Attention also shifted to Trump’s remarks during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the event, he mistakenly referred to Zelensky as “President Putin,” called Iran the “Islamic Republic of Japan,” mixed up former President Barack Obama’s nuclear agreement by referring to the JCPOA as the “JCPOC,” and referred to TikTok as “TicTac.”
These public mistakes renewed discussion about his cognitive health, although no official diagnosis has linked the incidents to any medical condition.
White House Defends Trump’s Health
Despite growing public attention, the White House continues to state that Trump remains healthy enough to perform his responsibilities as president.
His latest medical report from the White House physician describes him as being in “excellent health” and fully capable of carrying out his duties as Commander-in-Chief.
Last year, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed the issue during a press briefing after Trump experienced swelling in his lower legs.
She said, “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.”
Even with those assurances, public interest has remained high as additional photographs and videos continue to circulate.
Ongoing Medical Discussion
Observers have occasionally noted Trump walking with what appears to be a slower gait or heavier leg movement since his diagnosis. Dr. Lakhanpal explained that this may be consistent with advanced swelling associated with chronic venous insufficiency.
“Once the swelling intensifies, your legs get heavy, achy, tired,” he said.
He also noted, “If somebody’s fatigued, has not slept well, is not feeling the healthiest, and their legs are heavy—all that could lead to the kind of gait you’ve been seeing. That’s a possibility.”
Donald Trump’s recent appearance at the NATO summit has renewed attention on his chronic venous insufficiency and overall physical condition. While official medical reports continue to describe him as healthy and fit for office, visible swelling, recurring bruising, and public verbal mistakes have kept the discussion active.
Medical specialists emphasize that CVI is a common condition affecting millions of Americans, and its symptoms can often be managed through consistent lifestyle changes, proper treatment, and regular medical care.
