Trump has blunt reaction to Epstein questions in first public appearance since chronic vein condition was revealed
Former U.S. President Donald Trump made his first public appearance on Friday after it was revealed that he has a medical condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). This condition affects the veins in the legs and makes it harder for blood to flow back to the heart, often causing swelling, especially around the ankles.
The swelling in Trump’s lower legs had become noticeable, prompting medical tests. According to the White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, doctors found no signs of more serious issues like blood clots or arterial disease.
Trump appeared in public on July 18 to sign a new law related to cryptocurrency regulation. However, unlike his usual events where he often takes questions from the press, this time he did not. When reporters started shouting questions about the newly unsealed documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, Trump ignored them and walked past without any response. This silence was unusual for Trump, who is normally outspoken with the media.
Earlier in the week, the U.S. government moved to unseal transcripts from a grand jury investigation into Epstein. They argued that releasing the documents is in the public’s interest. The Department of Justice says it has over 200 documents, while the FBI reportedly holds thousands more related to the case.
The pressure increased after *The Wall Street Journal* published an article about a birthday album Epstein’s associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, allegedly made in 2003. It was said to include notes from Epstein’s friends, one of which was supposedly written by Trump. The message read: “Happy Birthday – and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
Trump responded strongly on his social media platform, Truth Social. He claimed the letter was fake and accused *The Wall Street Journal* and Rupert Murdoch of publishing false information despite warnings not to. Trump stated that Murdoch had promised to stop it from being published but failed. As a result, Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against Murdoch, News Corp, and two reporters from the *Wall Street Journal*.
Trump’s silence on the Epstein matter during his appearance was seen as notable, especially given the timing of the renewed legal and media attention. Meanwhile, his medical diagnosis has raised questions about his health as he continues his involvement in politics.
