White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has officially addressed the growing online speculation surrounding President Donald Trump’s recent appearance and health.

Trump Sparks Concern at Club World Cup Appearance

During an unexpected appearance at the Club World Cup final in New Jersey on Sunday (July 13), the 79-year-old president drew public attention for multiple reasons. In addition to surprising the winning team, Chelsea FC, by holding onto the trophy longer than expected, he raised eyebrows over what appeared to be swollen ankles.

Photos of Trump seated next to his wife Melania in the stands quickly went viral, showing what seemed to be swelling in the lower parts of both his legs. Online users speculated about how he was even able to fit his visibly puffy feet into his shoes.

One post on X read:
“Trump’s ankles — VERY swollen. People are talking. Doctors? Silent. Media? Going CRAZY. Could be nothing… could be something BIG. He says he’s strong as ever, but those ankles look like they’ve been through a LOT. Not great. Not great at all.”

Another added:
“If he put his shoes on when he first got up or shortly after, they may have fit okay then. But once up and walking around, his ankles became more swollen. I will say it’s not that unusual in elderly folks. He’ll probably have shoe-shaped indents when he takes his shoes off.”

Diagnosis: Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Leavitt has now confirmed that Trump’s ankle swelling is due to chronic venous insufficiency—a circulatory issue that affects how blood returns from the legs to the heart.