Topline: On Saturday, former President Donald Trump was photographed leaving for his golf course in Virginia, putting to rest unfounded rumors circulating on social media regarding his health and speculations about his death. The rumors had escalated in recent days due to Trump’s absence from public view.
Many social media users speculated about Trump's well-being, citing his absence from public appearances since his Cabinet meeting on Wednesday. Additionally, his schedule was notably cleared for the weekend, which some considered unusual. These factors contributed to the spread of rumors about his health. Compounding the situation, Vice President JD Vance mentioned in an interview with USA Today on Thursday that he was prepared to step in as president should a “terrible tragedy” occur. Vance, however, reassured the public by stating that he believed Trump was in “good shape” and enjoying “incredibly good health.”
In recent months, there have been growing concerns regarding Trump’s health. At 79, he became the oldest president when he was sworn in back in January. Earlier this month, Trump was spotted with bruising on the back of his right hand while in the Oval Office, just days after another photograph showed bruising on his other hand. This pattern of bruising has been observed multiple times over the past year, with notable instances in February and November. Despite these concerns, the White House has addressed health-related rumors by attributing the bruising to “shaking hands with thousands of people.”
Trump’s physician, Sean Barbabella, provided further insight into the bruising in July. He explained that it was “consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking” and the use of aspirin. In addition, Barbabella disclosed that Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition that can lead to a “diminished quality of life and loss of work productivity” if left untreated, according to the National Institutes of Health. This condition has been linked to the apparently swollen ankles Trump displayed during his appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup Final in July.
For those interested in learning more about Trump’s health issues, Forbes has published an article detailing the incidents of Trump's bruised right hand and providing comprehensive information about his medical condition. This article offers a closer look at the implications of chronic venous insufficiency and its potential impact on Trump's overall health.
