President Donald Trump’s visibly swollen ankles drew attention during a high-profile Oval Office meeting with King Charles III on Tuesday. The meeting occurred on the second day of the British monarch’s state visit to the U.S.

Health Condition & Previous Disclosure

The condition, known as chronic venous insufficiency, was diagnosed in July of last year. Photographers captured multiple images of the president’s puffy ankles during the meeting. President Trump, 79, and King Charles III, 77, were both present.

Management & White House Response

Trump previously disclosed using compression socks to manage the ailment but stopped due to discomfort. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed concerns about the president’s health. Ingle stated that Trump is the “sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in modern American history.”

Ingle also added that the only thing swollen is “Vic Verbalaitis’ stupidity that will prevent him from working for a legitimate news outlet.” Ingle, 32, is a communications graduate from Southeastern University in Florida, where his father is president.

University Scrutiny & Prior Occurrences

Southeastern University has faced scrutiny regarding its accreditation standards. Trump’s swollen ankles were also noticeable during Oval Office meetings with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and the Japanese prime minister in March.

Additional Observations

The president largely kept the condition out of the public eye in April. Additionally, signs of foundation application were observed on Trump’s left hand, similar to his right hand. He has attributed bruising on his right hand to frequent handshaking.

Trump’s daily aspirin regimen of 325 milligrams—four times the recommended dosage—has been linked to blood thinning concerns. He has stated he prefers thinner blood to avoid strain on his heart, a claim he reiterated in a January interview with the Journal.