Online commentators are abuzz regarding Donald Trump’s distinctive walk during his summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week.
The two leaders convened on August 15 to deliberate on a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Trump, ever confident, assured an offer that was “too good” to decline. However, the discussions concluded without an agreement, despite his claims that “progress” had been achieved.
The summit attracted significant attention, from Trump’s signature handshake to the sight of a B-2 stealth bomber soaring overhead. Yet, it was his unusual gait on the red carpet, after disembarking from his plane, that garnered the most fascination.
Observers remarked that the 79-year-old seemed to sway side to side rather than walk in a straight line. Clips rapidly went viral, with one user on X inquiring, “Can any doctors explain why Trump is having difficulty walking straight?”
Speculation spread swiftly. Some proposed potential health concerns, while others recalled the assassination attempt last year in which Trump was grazed by a bullet. Several users pondered whether his zig-zagging steps were a calculated security measure.
One commenter quipped, “If I had been nearly assassinated twice, I would likely walk in zig-zags indefinitely.” Another concurred, describing it as an instinctive reflex. Others theorized it was merely nervous pacing intended to convey confidence.
Meanwhile, conspiracy theories proliferated. Some alleged that Putin had dispatched a body double to Alaska. However, body language expert Inbaal Honigman refuted this, observing that Putin’s characteristic “gunslinger gait” was clearly visible, consistent with his usual demeanor.
No conclusive explanation has surfaced regarding Trump’s peculiar walk. Nevertheless, the viral incident added yet another layer of spectacle to an already dramatic summit, ensuring both leaders remained firmly in the global limelight.
