President Donald Trump’s long-discussed issue of swollen ankles is once again in the public spotlight after a photo taken during a taping of The Unofficial podcast in Georgia surfaced online.This photo shared by sports podcaster Josh Pate shows Trump sitting at The Varsity fast-food restaurant in Rome, Georgia, before a political rally. In the photo, Trump’s calf was visibly swollen above his shoe, sparking new speculation about his health.Pate posted the photo on social media, noting that Trump would appear on his show. The president stopped at a restaurant for a cheeseburger and briefly recorded a podcast before continuing on the campaign trail, according to local reports.
White House cites medical condition
The White House has maintained that Trump’s ankle swelling is caused by chronic venous insufficiency, a condition common in older adults in which veins have difficulty circulating blood efficiently back to the heart.Trump previously admitted in an interview with the Wall Street Journal that he used compression stockings to manage his condition but stopped wearing them because he “didn’t like them.” His aides also told the publication that increased exercise and walking could help improve swelling.In response to the latest photos, a White House spokesman defended Trump’s health and said The Daily Beast, “President Trump is the most perceptive, approachable and dynamic president in modern American history,” he said while dismissing criticism surrounding his condition.However, questions surrounding Trump’s health remain after recent public appearances. The 79-year-old president was caught on camera appearing to doze briefly while seated during his first meeting of the Peace Council on Thursday, the latest in a series of instances where he has appeared tired at official events.
Similar incidents in recent months
In the latest episode, Trump repeatedly noticed swelling in his ankle during public appearances. Photos taken last week of a meeting with Colombian President Gustavo Petro in the Oval Office also drew attention to the issue.In October last year, Trump suffered significant swelling in his ankle while meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Similar observations emerged a month ago when Trump and first lady Melania Trump returned from an overseas trip.Trump, the oldest person currently serving as U.S. president, has also been photographed looking exhausted at some recent official meetings, further fueling debate about his health and stamina.
