When Donald Trump offered Vladimir Putin a real red carpet in Alaska on Friday, the routine was expected to appear well-planned. It resembled something from a blooper reel instead. Cameras saw Trump, now 79, wobbling left, then right, then left again as he approached his Russian counterpart at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage.
The carpet itself appeared to be deceiving him.
Soon after, the incident sparked online comparisons, with political analysts, medical professionals, and memes all posing the same query: Why can’t Donald Trump walk straight?
This was no easy stage. The historic encounter, the first time Putin has visited the United States since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, was interrupted by loud applause, a handshake that signaled the thawing of icy ties, and a B-2 stealth bomber flyover.
But all the meaning was lost in the awkward shuffle of a man trying to keep his composure on the carpet.
Can any medical professionals tell me? What is causing Trump to have trouble walking straight?tweet.com/hAYgGI8AAz
Maine at August 15, 2025 (@TheMaineWonk)
Theories range from neuropathy to age-related balance problems to a damaged back, but reticent medical experts haven’t come to a consensus. For a president who had previously ridiculed his rivals, such as Jeb Bush, for their lack of vigor and physical endurance, the appearance and feel weren’t good. Nonetheless, walking tremors are common for people Donald Trump’s age.
Spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy, and even inner-ear balance issues are frequently mentioned by neurologists as potential causes. According to some, orthopedic factors including degenerative back conditions, aching feet, or damaged knees could be equally important.
However, the most conspiracy-prone parts of the internet did not accept such justifications.
Some have said that Donald Trump’s zigzag pattern demonstrated his uneasiness, which is a normal reaction when he is standing next to the world’s most notorious strongman, Vladimir Putin. Others stated that the unpredictable path served as a metaphor for a leader who, both literally and symbolically, lacks the ability to walk a straight route because of a malfunctioning compass.
Reactions on X (previously Twitter) were blazingly quick and filled with humor and mistrust. One person joked that Donald Trump’s gait resembled the stumbling that happens after drinking a lot of tequila and playing golf, while another person likened it to their struggles with back and foot discomfort. Some contend that when a moral compass is violated, this is what occurs.
“A crooked man walks a crooked path” is a third sarcastic statement.
Pop culture was also mentioned. Trump was compared to a Fremen from Dune, who was always strolling like a worm-rider and not an ordinary guy, by one Fortnite fan, who joked that he zigzags to avoid sniper fire.
Other people, however, gave him the benefit of the doubt, pointing out that someone who had survived two assassination attempts and was going to meet the world’s most despised man might not be able to walk a perfectly straight line too.
Thus, we observed how Americans view politics in 2025: initially with a jest, then with real worry.
EHT0Xbjagh pic.twitter.com/
August 15, 2025 Sheila (@sheila_linstrom)
Despite the spectacle, Trump and Putin’s meeting was hailed as a sincere endeavor to advance peace talks. However, there was no peace accord, no clear plan for Ukraine, and no genuine diplomacy as a result of the summit. Instead, the headlines focused on Trump’s uncomfortable hand-on-the-back gesture as they descended the steps, his cheering for Putin, and his gait.
Donald Trump’s zigzagging approach to Putin represented his unpredictable, unsteady, and difficult-to-manage political trajectory.
