A video shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Friday, showing President Donald Trump leaving a rally, has sparked a wave of online speculation about his health. The footage, which went viral, appears to show a boxy, rigid outline near the back of Trump’s suit, leading social media users to question what might be hidden underneath.
One person commented, “It’s nice to see he’s no longer hiding his colostomy bag.” Another asked, “Seriously, what’s he got under that jacket?” The speculation follows previous photos of Trump’s backside that led some to believe he wears adult diapers, though this has never been proven.
Trump’s Health Claims and Medical History
The 80-year-old president has been tight-lipped about his health, but in the spring, he boasted about his “perfect” health after his third medical checkup at Walter Reed hospital in just over a year. “Just finished my 6-month physical at Walter Reed Military Medical Centre. Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” he said. The so-called “six-month physical” lasted around three and a half hours and included “annual dental and medical evaluations.”
Last autumn, it was confirmed that Trump had undergone a CT scan during a follow-up appointment at the hospital to “rule out any cardiovascular issues.” In July last year, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition in which veins have trouble moving blood back to the heart.
Public Concerns and Polls
Trump has been seen struggling to stay awake during public appearances, including nodding off during a healthcare talk with Medicare administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and falling asleep with his mouth open as a star witness took the stand during his hush money trial. Large bruises on his hands have also spurred concern, but he has brushed them off as “frequent hand shaking” and his high dosage of aspirin. Others speculate the marks may be caused by IV drips, thin skin, or his age.
Despite reassurances from White House physician Sean Barbarella that the president is doing well, the American public remains doubtful. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that only 40% of Americans thought Trump had the mental sharpness to serve as president, down from 47% last September.
