When it comes to global leaders, it’s no surprise that conspiracy theories and wild speculation frequently circulate online, and U.S. President Donald Trump is no exception.
Over time, he has become the focus of various strange rumors, ranging from peculiar bulges in his clothing to the widely-discussed theory that his wife Melania uses a body double.
The latest theory gaining momentum online centers around a viral video from Sunday (June 8), in which the 78-year-old Republican is seen stumbling while climbing the steps to Air Force One.
At the time, Trump was en route to Camp David—a secluded federal retreat in Maryland—for discussions with military officials about potentially invoking the Insurrection Act in reaction to protests sparked by reports that ICE agents were conducting raids in Latino communities across Los Angeles starting Friday (June 6).
Before boarding the plane, Trump spoke briefly with reporters about the urgent situation. As he ascended the staircase to the aircraft, he lost his footing and tripped.
Determined to maintain composure, he quickly recovered and continued up the stairs without acknowledging the slip.
The incident quickly made waves on social media, not least because Trump has frequently mocked former president Joe Biden for similar missteps during public appearances.
What really caught the internet’s attention, though, was the revival of an old theory suggesting Trump suffers from bathmophobia—a fear of stairs or slopes.
One user on X commented: “Just look at Trump’s history—he often clutches the hands of world leaders even on small inclines. This fall is probably something he’s dreaded being caught on camera for years.”
Another added: “He looked more frightened of the stairs than of the man who fired a gun at his rally. That’s saying something.”
A third joked: “Honestly, his apparent terror of stairs is one of the few relatable things about Trump.”
Someone else noted: “Him tripping doesn’t mean he’s sick—it just confirms he’s an older man who’s famously afraid of stairs.”
Although neither Trump nor the White House has officially addressed these speculations, this isn’t the first time the idea has surfaced.
During his first presidential term in 2017, he notably held hands with then-UK Prime Minister Theresa May as they walked down a ramp at the White House—an act that fueled speculation he feared inclines.
Reputable outlets like The Telegraph and Politico cited government insiders who suggested his hand-holding was a result of anxiety about ramps.
May’s spokesperson later told The Times that Trump had simply extended his hand while navigating an unseen ramp, and she accepted it.
While there’s no concrete proof to support the theory, it’s clear the internet has eagerly embraced the narrative, blending speculation with humor as it often does.
