President Donald Trump’s recent public appearances have kicked off a swirl of concerns and conspiracy theories from supporters and critics alike — not over policy or politics, but over what some have spotted in the lower half of his trousers.
Over the past week, photos of the 78-year-old president have circulated showing a visible bulge near his upper leg and lower calf during separate events: a UFC championship fight in New Jersey and a Rose Garden appearance at the White House.
Leg Bulge Prompts Online Speculation
The unusual outlines in Trump's pants immediately triggered a number of rumors regarding health concerns across social platforms.
While some users dismissed the bulge as nothing more than a fabric fold or wrinkled trousers, others floated more medical theories. Several users suggested the possibility that the President may be using a Foley catheter — a tube connected to a drainage bag strapped to the leg to manage urinary incontinence.
“I really think Donald Trump is wearing some kind of urine collection contraption,” one user commented.
Images from both appearances show what some interpret as a narrow, tube-like structure running under the fabric, just below his left knee. “That line down his pants? Not a crease. It’s tubing,” one viral post read.
Others speculated that the bulge might instead indicate a leg or knee brace. “Exoskeleton leg braces?” one X user proposed, while another suggested: “Knee brace for a partially torn ligament… Trump does not have time right now for surgery.”
Another user theorized: “Those are leg braces to stabilise him. It’s why he never wears shorts anymore.”
Public Health vs. Privacy: A Sensitive Debate
While speculation has grown, many users and commentators are urging restraint, warning that jumping to conclusions about someone’s health — especially based on photos — can be both misleading and intrusive.
“Wrinkles in his pants? Drrrr,” one user quipped, downplaying the theories. Others noted that fabric can easily bunch up or catch on clothing underneath, creating shapes that look more ominous than they are.
Other theories also speculated at more trivial reasonings - such as sock garters.
To date, there has been no official confirmation or indication that the president is managing any new health condition. The White House’s chief physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, declared back in April that President Trump remains in “excellent cognitive and physical health” after a detailed five-hour physical.
“President Trump remains in excellent health, exhibiting robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function,” Barbabella wrote. “His days include participation in multiple meetings, public appearances, press availability, and frequent victories in golf events.”
That check-up included blood panels, a cardiac review, ultrasounds, neurological evaluations, and a Montreal Cognitive Assessment — on which Trump reportedly scored a perfect 30 out of 30.
Past Health Disclosures and Recent Incidents
The president’s health history includes a colonoscopy in 2024, which revealed a benign polyp and a diagnosis of diverticulosis.
Trump also reportedly lost 20 pounds since his last physical in 2020, now weighing 224 pounds. Additionally, as of April, Trump is currently taking Rosuvastatin and Ezetimibe to control cholesterol, along with Aspirin for cardiac prevention and Mometasone cream for a skin condition.
More recently, Trump stumbled while climbing the steps of Air Force One during heavy rain in New Jersey — a moment that added fuel to the ongoing conversation. Critics noted the stumble as another possible signal of underlying issues, while supporters pointed out the wet conditions and his quick recovery.
Still, the combination of his stumble and the leg bulge photos has created a perfect storm for speculation and public health curiosity.
Even AI Is Weighing In
As users scrambled for answers, some turned to tech.
Elon Musk’s AI assistant, Grok, was tagged in several viral posts and responded: “There’s no evidence Donald Trump has ‘Bungalow Legs,’ a humorous, non-medical term. Social media posts speculate about a bulge in his trouser leg, suggesting a catheter or brace, but his April 2025 medical report states he’s in ‘excellent health’ with no such issues.”
Grok added: “The bulge could be wrinkles or lighting. Without verified medical evidence, these claims remain unconfirmed. Treat online health rumors about public figures with skepticism.”