Trump’s Zig-Zag Walk Sparks Online Buzz
Online sleuths believe they’ve uncovered the reason behind Donald Trump’s unusual walk as he approached his historic summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska last week.
On Friday, August 15, the two world leaders met to discuss a potential ceasefire over Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. Trump, long known for touting his negotiating skills, promised an offer “too good” for Putin to refuse.
So far, no ceasefire has been agreed upon. Still, Trump, who previously warned of “very severe consequences” if talks failed, claimed he and Putin had made significant progress.
Headlines Beyond the Meeting
Several moments from the summit made headlines. Trump performed his signature “yank” handshake, and a B-2 stealth bomber flew overhead before discussions began.
Yet, the moment that captured the internet’s imagination wasn’t the handshake or the bomber. It was Trump’s odd walk down the red carpet as he disembarked his plane.
Viewers noted the 79-year-old president seemed unable to walk in a straight line, veering left and right. Social media erupted with questions and speculation.
“Can any doctors tell me why Trump is struggling to walk in a straight line?” one user asked on X.
I’m only half joking here, but if I was almost assassinated twice, I’d probably walk in zig-zags for the rest of my life. https://t.co/gUs9AL352K
— John Ekdahl (@JohnEkdahl) August 16, 2025
Theories and Speculations
Some attributed the strange gait to rumored health issues. Others offered darker explanations. Many pointed to the threat of assassination, recalling the incident where Trump was shot in the ear during the campaign trail last year.
“I’m only half joking here, but if I was almost assassinated twice, I’d probably walk in zig-zags for the rest of my life,” wrote one user.
Another added, “Thought the same thing. Almost like a reflex at this point.”
A third suggested, “Zig-zag to avoid bullets hitting? Or out of nervousness?”
Conspiracy theories about the Trump-Putin meeting flourished over the weekend. Some even claimed Putin sent a body double to the summit while the real president stayed away.
Expert Weighs In
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman told the Daily Star that the idea of a body double was unlikely.
“As we observe Vladimir Putin march alongside Donald Trump, the Russian president’s famed ‘gunslinger gait’ is as evident as ever,” she noted.
Your Thoughts?
What did you make of President Trump’s walk? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
