Donald Trump’s Swollen Ankles Grab Spotlight During Meeting with Canadian PM – and Stir Up More Health Rumors

In recent days, Donald Trump’s swollen ankles have once again become the center of attention and concern online. Photos from a recent Oval Office meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney showed the former president’s ankles looking unusually swollen, reigniting speculation about his health.

This isn’t the first time the issue has been noticed. The White House previously explained that Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) — a condition that makes it difficult for blood to flow properly from the legs back to the heart. However, the new images suggest that the condition might be getting worse. Observers noted that Trump’s ankles appeared so swollen that they bulged through his black shoes and socks during the meeting.

Just a few months ago, the White House physician, Capt. Sean Barbadella, claimed that Trump was in “excellent cognitive and physical health” and “fully fit.” But the latest images seem to have cast doubt on that statement, fueling questions about how well the former president is really doing.

Doctors say that chronic venous insufficiency is fairly common, especially among older adults. While it isn’t usually life-threatening, it can become serious if left untreated. Dr. Mimmie Kwong, a vascular surgery expert at the University of California, explained that veins are responsible for carrying blood from the feet and hands back to the heart. When those veins don’t function properly, blood can pool in the legs, leading to swelling, pain, and even open wounds. In severe cases, untreated CVI can result in amputation.

According to studies, around one in three adults in the U.S. has some form of CVI. It tends to affect women more often than men, and it becomes more common with age. Dr. Kwong added that as the swelling worsens, people can experience thickened or inflamed skin, dryness, and even wounds that don’t heal easily — which can lead to more dangerous complications if ignored.

But Trump’s ankles aren’t the only thing drawing attention. His bruised hands have also sparked public curiosity. He has reportedly been seen using makeup to hide visible bruising, which the White House has blamed on frequent handshaking and his “aspirational use” — though that explanation has left many unconvinced.

Beyond the physical symptoms, some observers are also voicing concerns about Trump’s mental sharpness. At 79, he has occasionally been caught forgetting names or faces of people he knows, and he has made several verbal mistakes during public speeches. Some of his comments have even stirred controversy, raising further speculation about whether he might be experiencing signs of cognitive decline.

Despite all this, Trump hasn’t shown any sign of slowing down politically. He has continued to attend rallies and public events, and he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of running for a third term, even though that would be constitutionally unprecedented. Vice President JD Vance recently dismissed concerns, saying he believes Trump is still “fit enough to serve and lead.”

For now, the former president continues to push forward, brushing off health rumors as he focuses on his political goals. Still, the public’s growing attention to his health — from his swollen ankles to his bruised hands and verbal slips — suggests that questions about his well-being won’t fade away anytime soon.