New Delhi, 26 August 2025: A video recently went viral on social media claiming that former U.S. President Donald Trump has only six to eight months to live. The clip features a man in a white coat claiming that Trump is suffering from congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), predicting an imminent decline in his health.
The claim quickly gained traction online, leading to widespread speculation about the former president’s condition and concerns over his ability to campaign in the upcoming election cycle.
But is there any truth to this alarming message? A deeper look reveals it to be highly misleading and based on misinformation rather than medical fact.
Who Is Behind the Claim?
The person featured in the viral video, widely believed to be a medical expert, is not a licensed physician. He is reportedly a physical therapist—not a doctor—and does not have the qualifications to make clinical diagnoses or prognoses.
The video was deceptively edited to remove identifying information that would have made his credentials clear, giving viewers the impression that a licensed doctor was speaking.
This editing tactic is common in viral misinformation, where credibility created artificially to spread a sensational narrative.
What Do Medical Records Say?
Contrary to the claim in the video, there has been no confirmation from official sources that Trump suffers from any terminal condition. On the contrary, formal medical evaluations have repeatedly stated that he is in good physical and cognitive health for his age.
Trump is known to have a condition called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)—a circulatory issue that affects blood flow in the legs. This condition can cause swelling, discoloration, and visible veins but is not life-threatening. It is common in older adults and generally managed with lifestyle modifications and medication.
There have also been reports of frequent bruises on his hands, which some attribute to medications such as blood thinners. However, this is a routine side effect and not indicative of a serious underlying illness.
Understanding Chronic Venous Insufficiency
CVI is caused by weakened valves in the veins of the legs, leading to blood pooling instead of returning to the heart efficiently. Symptoms include:
- Swelling in the lower legs
- Skin discoloration
- Varicose veins
- Leg fatigue or heaviness
While these symptoms can appear dramatic—particularly swelling or skin bruising—they are manageable and do not typically signal a life-threatening condition. They also do not support the theory of congestive heart failure or advanced kidney disease unless accompanied by other serious symptoms, which have not reported or observed.
Speculation Fueled by Appearance
The rumors gained momentum due to several recent public appearances in which Trump appeared to have difficulty walking straight or exhibited leg dragging. Some interpreted these moments as signs of neurological decline or muscular weakness.
Additionally, visible bruising and swelling in his extremities have sparked concern. However, such appearances can explained by known, non-critical conditions, aging, and medications commonly used for cardiovascular prevention.
Public figures, especially politicians, often scrutinized in extreme detail—sometimes unfairly. A brief gait abnormality or a hand bruise can lead to wildly speculative headlines, particularly in an election year.
Debunking the Heart Failure and Kidney Disease Claims
Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood effectively. It can cause fluid buildup in the lungs and extremities and may require hospitalization.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the gradual loss of kidney function, potentially progressing to end-stage renal disease. CKD and CHF can coexist in elderly patients, but such diagnoses typically require clear clinical evidence, lab tests, and physician confirmation.
In Trump’s case, none of these factors have publicly confirmed. His medical team has not announced any major organ failure or warning signs of terminal illness. The information circulating online is speculative at best and fabricated at worst.
