Donald Trump has recently sparked a wave of discussion online and in the media over what some are calling his “swollen ankles” or “cankles.”
Critics argue that the 79-year-old president has gone to great lengths to hide this condition from public view during official meetings in the White House.
The chatter started when MSNBC host Laurence O’Donnell highlighted how Trump carefully positioned himself behind the Resolute Desk while greeting visiting European leaders, a move that seemed designed to obscure his lower legs from sight.
O’Donnell noted, “Presidents rarely sit at the desk like that during meetings with outside guests,” suggesting that Trump’s posture was intentional.
Clever Photos and Public Attention
Later the same day, Trump did meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the traditional Oval Office couches.
However, a White House photo was angled to hide his ankles, using a model of the new Air Force One placed on a nearby table.
Wire photographers captured other images showing Trump’s swollen lower legs more clearly, fueling both media speculation and discussion among MAGA supporters.
Even far-right figures like Infowars host Alex Jones chimed in, suggesting the swelling could be linked to Trump working too hard, warning of a potential health “crisis” if he didn’t slow down.
The Medical Explanation Behind Cankles
Trump was diagnosed last month with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where veins in the legs struggle to return blood to the heart. Dr. David Shokrian, a plastic surgeon at Millennial Plastic Surgery, explained that this condition can contribute to the development of cankles.
“Venous insufficiency and varicose veins are closely linked to swelling in the lower legs,” Dr. Shokrian said.
He added that factors like weight, diet, lack of cardiovascular exercise, and stress could all exacerbate the problem.
Treatment options vary depending on the cause. Swelling due to venous issues may respond to vascular procedures such as ablation, sclerotherapy, or compression therapy.
If fat deposits are the cause, targeted liposuction or body contouring can help, though recovery from liposuction is lengthy—something unlikely for a sitting president.
White House Reassurances and Former Physician Statements
The White House has emphasized that Trump’s condition is common in those over 70 and confirmed there was no evidence of deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
Former White House physician Dr. Ronny Jackson defended Trump’s health, saying, “He is mentally and physically sharper than ever before.”
Trump himself took to Truth Social to dismiss criticism, branding MSNBC as “fake news” and calling their content “garbage.”
Social Media Reactions and Public Observations
Despite these reassurances, social media users have scrutinized Trump’s ankles in photos from meetings, including a recent summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.
Observers noted he appeared to struggle walking the red carpet while Putin looked on with a sardonic smile. Some supporters defended the swelling as a sign of Trump’s tireless work ethic.
Comparison to Previous Presidents
Trump’s physical health has often been contrasted with his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden.
While Biden, 82, has faced public concerns over cognitive decline and mobility, Trump’s mental sharpness and stamina remain widely cited by supporters as evidence of his vigorous condition.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt highlighted that Trump had undergone a “comprehensive examination,” including vascular studies, which confirmed chronic venous insufficiency.
She also addressed minor bruising on his hands, attributing it to routine handshakes and aspirin use for cardiovascular prevention.
Maintaining a Full Schedule
Despite ongoing scrutiny, Trump continues to maintain a rigorous daily schedule.
Leavitt emphasized that the president “remains in excellent health” and experiences no discomfort from his condition.
His team reiterates that he works tirelessly around the clock, fulfilling his presidential duties without interruption.
