After repeating the same dubious claims about the president’s hand-shaking injuries for months, Team Trump uncharacteristically gave in and offered an actual health update.
At a June 17 press conference, Leavitt said that after noticing mild swelling in his legs in recent weeks, Trump underwent a “comprehensive examination, including diagnostic vascular studies.”
She read a note from Trump’s physician that said the exam “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, ICD-9, a common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” However, there was “no evidence of deep-vein thrombosis or arterial disease,” and an echocardiogram found “no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness.”
Leavitt still attributed Trump’s hand bruising to hand shaking, but she acknowledged that the daily aspirin he takes as a preventative measure is also a factor. “This is consistent with minor soft-tissue irritation from frequent hand shaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen,” she said.
The White House released this note from Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, which concluded, “SUMMARY: President Trump remains in excellent health.”