Trump diagnosed with vein condition causing leg swelling, White House says

US president Donald Trump speaks to the media as he leaves the White House. File picture: Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP

The White House said on Thursday that US president Donald Trump is experiencing swelling in his lower legs and bruising on his right hand, after photographs emerged of Trump with swollen ankles and makeup covering the afflicted part of his hand.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, reading a letter from Trump's doctor at a press briefing, said both ailments were benign. His leg swelling is from a "common" vein condition, and his hand is bruised from shaking so many hands, she told reporters.