US3 min(s) read
Published 15:55 20 Apr 2026 GMT
Donald Trump has raised further questions about his health after appearing to stand in an unusual position while addressing reporters.
The US president was speaking to the press after stepping off Air Force One in Phoenix on Friday when cameras captured the moment.
The 79-year-old was seen with his feet spread unusually wide apart, extending beyond shoulder width in an inverted V-shape, while his arms remained stiffly by his sides.
A photo of the stance quickly spread across social media, with users on platforms like X speculating about what might be behind it, with some thinking it may be suggestive of a health matter.
Some suggested it could point to physical or cognitive issues. One user claimed: “Because he’s losing his coordination so he’s standing this way to keep from falling. Watch how he can’t walk in a straight line most of the time either,” while another asked: “Yo, why he stand like that? Is he losing his balance or equilibrium because of some kind of loss of functional brain control?” A third bluntly wrote: “Dementia posturing.”
Others floated different theories, including the possibility of supportive equipment. “He wears some type of leg/hip braces, I swear,” one person said, while another added: “Looks like his leg braces are malfunctioning again.” A further comment joked: “It eases the pain in his cankles to stand like a tripod.”
Not everyone focused on the stance itself, with some pointing out an awkward detail in the image instead. “That microphone placement is - um - unfortunate,” one user remarked.
Despite the online speculation circulating, the White House has repeatedly rejected claims that Donald Trump is experiencing any cognitive issues, maintaining that he remains in “excellent” health, with the American leader himself even coming out and claiming that recent MRI and cognitive tests were “perfect”.
During the same appearance, Trump addressed ongoing geopolitical matters, particularly in the Middle East, saying: “Talks are going on and will go on over the weekend and a lot of good things are happening.”
Responding to concerns about tensions with Iran, he added: “Well there could be, if there are we'll have to straighten it out but I don't think there's too many significant differences.”
He also stated: “As soon as the agreement is signed, that's when the blockade ends,” and later claimed on Truth Social that Iran had reopened the Strait of Hormuz — though reports soon emerged that restrictions had been reinstated.
Iran’s leadership responded with a warning, as Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said the country’s “valiant navy” was “ready to inflict new bitter defeats on its enemies.”
