During a high-profile meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin on August 15 in Anchorage, Alaska, President Donald Trump once again found himself at the center of public speculation—this time over how he walked.
As both leaders stepped off their respective planes, a now-viral video captured Trump walking down the red carpet first. Viewers noticed a subtle zigzag in his path, prompting everything from medical questions to security theories.
Reactions were split. Some insisted his balance seemed off, while others framed it as a deliberate security tactic. One commenter even linked it to past assassination attempts, arguing zigzagging is standard survival training
White House responds: a common condition, no discomfort
As the online conversation unfolded, the White House addressed the issue directly. In July, President Trump was evaluated for swelling in his legs and diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common and benign vascular condition, particularly in older adults.
In a statement read by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, the president’s physician Dr. Sean Barbabella explained that Trump underwent a comprehensive examination, including vascular studies and an echocardiogram. The tests showed no heart failure, no kidney or systemic problems, no deep vein thrombosis, no arterial disease, and no abnormal labs.
Doctors noted that chronic venous insufficiency affects about 150,000 people each year in the U.S. Symptoms can include swelling in the legs or ankles, varicose veins, cramping, and skin changes — though Trump’s team emphasized he has not experienced discomfort
Medical experts agreed the diagnosis was “not alarming.” Dr. Jeremy Faust of Harvard Medical School noted that it’s “a normal part of aging,” especially for those in the overweight to obese range. Cardiologist Dr. Bernard Ashby added that while the condition is often mild, the White House “covered all their bases” by checking for more serious causes.
Public health expert Dr. Chris Pernell added that the condition is more common in older adults, those who are overweight, or people who stand or sit for long periods. While not life-threatening, she noted, it can sometimes become debilitating if untreated.
Trump, 79, reportedly experienced no discomfort and has continued his schedule as planned.
Past stumbles, political echoes
This isn’t the first time Trump’s movements have drawn public attention. On June 8, 2025, while boarding Air Force One for Camp David, he briefly tripped on the stairs—a moment caught on camera and replayed in slow motion across social media.
Trump quickly caught himself and continued up the stairs. Still, reactions came in fast, with some comparing it to former President Joe Biden’s own staircase slip-ups.
Comments ranged from “That’s his Biden moment” to more light-hearted takes: “We all trip sometimes.” Others pushed back on the scrutiny, writing, “Have you never missed a step? It happens.”
Symbolism in the spotlight
In the digital age, where every movement is magnified, even the most minor moments can become viral flashpoints. Trump’s red carpet walk and previous stumbles are now part of a larger pattern of public fascination with presidential fitness.
Yet behind the chatter, the medical consensus remains: Trump’s diagnosis is common, manageable, and not a cause for alarm. Whether his gait reflected health, security protocol, or just a normal misstep, experts emphasized it was no cause for alarm