A fresh wave of online speculation about former President Donald Trump’s health was triggered this week after curious images showed an unusual bulge in his pant leg. The photos, snapped during a Rose Garden appearance, quickly went viral, prompting rampant theories and amateur diagnoses on social media.
The initial photo, posted by a user on X (formerly Twitter), zoomed in on what looked like a strange shape pressing against Trump’s trousers. “What’s going on here?” the user wrote—sparking over 17,000 likes and a flood of speculation in the comments.
Among the most popular theories? That Trump may be wearing a Foley catheter, a medical device used to assist with urinary incontinence. Some users even connected the alleged catheter to frontotemporal dementia, citing related symptoms like bladder control issues and behavioral changes.
Others proposed an orthopedic explanation. Some theorized the bulge could be a leg brace, possibly used to support foot drop, a condition caused by nerve damage that makes lifting the front of the foot difficult. “This would make sense if he’s had a small stroke or some nerve issue,” one user commented.
Adding fuel to the fire, Trump’s recent appearance at a UFC event in New Jersey showed a similar pant leg shape—prompting more jokes and even sound comparisons to a “sloshing Capri Sun,” as one user mockingly claimed.
Despite the internet frenzy, Trump’s official medical records tell a different story. Earlier this year, his personal physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, confirmed that Trump passed a comprehensive physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The evaluation lasted five hours and included blood work, cardiac tests, and a neurological exam—including the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, where Trump scored a perfect 30 out of 30.
Physician Barbabella declared Trump to be in excellent mental and physical health, stating that he showed no signs of decline or impairment.
Meanwhile, Trump continues to maintain a rigorous public schedule. After a weekend retreat to Camp David, he returned to D.C. and was photographed walking confidently over a wooden plank while touring White House lawn renovations.
As Trump prepares for the 2024 election, critics may keep analyzing every fold of fabric—but for now, his medical records and visible energy suggest there’s little cause for alarm.
