Karoline Leavitt blames handshakes and aspirin for Trump's bruises and swelling
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt asserted that bruises and swelling on President Donald Trump were part of a "common condition" that was made worse by shaking hands.
During a White House briefing on Thursday, the press secretary responded to speculation about the president's health.
"I know that many in the media have been speculating about bruising on the president's hand and also swelling in the president's legs," she noted. "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."
"Bilateral lower extremity venous Doppler ultrasounds were performed and revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70," she continued. "Importantly, there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease... All results were within normal limits."
Leavitt insisted there were "no signs of heart failure, renal impairment, or systemic illness."
"Recent photos of the president have shown minor bruising on the back of his hand," she acknowledged. "This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen."
"This is a well-known and benign side effect of aspirin therapy," the Trump official added. "And the president remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here."