ABC anchor David Muir issues bombshell update on Donald Trump’s swollen ankles

On Thursday evening’s episode of ABC World News Tonight, David Muir addressed Donald Trump’s health while introducing a report by the channel’s White House Correspondent Mary Bruce

ABC host David Muir has shared a bombshell update on Donald Trump’s swollen ankles, after the White House confirmed the President has a condition that causes blood to pool in his veins.

On Thursday evening’s episode of ABC World News Tonight, the journalist addressed Trump’s health after weeks of speculation caused by images that showed swelling on his legs and ankles and bruising on his hands. David, 51, introduced a report by his colleague Mary Bruce, briefly explaining what the President’s physician has said about his condition.

David informed viewers that the White House has insisted Trump is “in excellent health” despite the diagnosis. In her report, Mary, who is the Chief White House Correspondent for ABC News, said there had been “questions and concerns” about Trump’s health after pictures of his bruises and swelling emerged online.

Mary highlighted that the President’s doctor confirmed that tests had “revealed chronic venous insufficiency, a benign and common condition, particularly in individuals over the age of 70.” Dr. Darien Sutton, ABC News Medical Correspondent, also participated in the report, giving viewers a brief explanation of the condition.

David Muir shared an update on Trump’s condition(Image: ABC)

The White House Correspondent said that although the condition is not considered serious, it can be painful. In a piece to camera, Mary added, “The White House hasn’t confirmed how the President is being treated, but experts tell us that treatment typically includes medication to increase blood flow, elevating the legs or even minor surgical procedures if necessary.” At the end of the report, David thanked his colleague for giving viewers an overview of the President’s condition.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Thursday that Trump had recently undergone a medical check-up after noticing “mild swelling” in his lower legs. She explained he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, which occurs when little valves inside the veins that normally help move blood against gravity gradually lose the ability to work properly.

The left foot and swollen ankle of the President seen on July 16(Image: AP)

Karoline also addressed bruising on the back of Trump’s hand, seen in recent photos covered by makeup that was not an exact match to his skin tone. She said the bruising was “consistent” with irritation from his “frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin.” Trump takes aspirin to reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke.

She said during her press briefing that her disclosure of Trump’s medical checkup was meant to dispel recent speculation about the 79-year-old President’s health. Nonetheless, the announcement was notable given that the Republican President has routinely kept secret basic facts about his health.

Trump in April had a comprehensive physical exam with more than a dozen medical specialists. The three-page report released then by the White House did not include a finding of chronic venous insufficiency. At the time, Trump’s doctor, Sean Barbabella, determined that the president’s joints and muscles had a full range of motion, with normal blood flow and no swelling.

Trump has been covering a bruise on his hand with make up(Image: AP)

Karoline did not say when Trump first noticed the swelling in his lower legs. As part of the President’s routine medical care and out of an “abundance of caution,” she said he had a “comprehensive exam” that included vascular, lower extremity and ultrasound testing.

After noting that chronic venous insufficiency is a common and benign condition, she said the tests revealed no evidence of deep vein thrombosis, a more serious medical condition in which a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body, usually in the legs. Reading a letter from Dr. Barbarella, she said there was no evidence of arterial disease.

The exam the White House disclosed on Thursday included other testing that found no signs of heart failure, renal impairment or systemic illness in Trump, Karoline said. “The President remains in excellent health, which I think all of you witness on a daily basis here,” she told reporters.