President Donald Trump gripped the handrail tightly as he descended the Air Force One stairs on Sunday evening, January 4, at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, moving slowly and deliberately after returning from a more than two-week stay at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The president arrived in Palm Beach County on December 20 for his extended holiday break before returning to Washington, D.C. Video footage captured Trump emerging from the aircraft door before carefully making his way down the steps, his eyes fixed downward ahead. After reaching the tarmac, he boarded Marine One.
The cautious descent comes as Trump has publicly acknowledged ongoing health concerns that affect his mobility. In mid-July 2025, the president visited Walter Reed Military Medical Center after experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs. An ultrasound revealed he has chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults.
Trump has been candid about his fear of falling on stairs, particularly after his predecessor Joe Biden experienced several public stumbles during his time in office. In September, Trump told military generals gathered in Quantico about his approach to stairways.
“Every day, the guy’s falling down stairs,” Trump said, referring to Biden. “I’m very careful. You know, when I walk downstairs—like I’m on stairs, like these stairs—I walk very slowly.”
The president’s stair difficulties have been documented on multiple occasions. During an October 29, 2025, visit to South Korea for APEC meetings, Trump was photographed gripping the railing as he descended the Air Force One stairs at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea. His eyes remained fixed downward, and he appeared to pause during the descent. The international trip included stops in Malaysia and Japan.
In another instance, Trump was observed slapping his right leg three times with his right hand before heading down the aircraft stairs. During his recent arrival at Joint Base Andrews, observers noted he appeared to drag his right leg as he walked across the tarmac toward Marine One.
The president has also undergone additional medical testing in recent months. In October, Trump had an MRI scan and later told reporters the results were perfect. However, medical experts have noted that such imaging tests are typically ordered in response to specific symptoms rather than as routine preventive measures.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist, explained that MRIs are typically prompted by symptoms, such as neurological issues, back pain, or cardiac concerns. The decision to order such imaging usually follows clinical observations or patient complaints that warrant further investigation.
Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella later clarified that Trump underwent a CT scan during a visit to Walter Reed Military Medical Center, describing the results as perfectly normal. The scan revealed no abnormalities, according to the Navy captain’s statement.
Trump’s health has drawn increased scrutiny beyond his mobility issues. During a press conference about Venezuela, some observers noted he appeared to slur his words. At another event, the president’s eyes appeared to close while General Dan Caine was speaking. These incidents have fueled ongoing discussions about the president’s overall health status.
The president’s relationship with stairs has also surfaced during diplomatic occasions. When Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Mar-a-Lago, Trump was observed carefully navigating the short staircase at the main entrance of his Palm Beach estate as he welcomed the visiting dignitary.
Age-related health concerns have become an increasingly prominent topic in American politics, particularly as both major parties have fielded older candidates in recent election cycles. The physical demands of the presidency—including frequent travel, long hours, and constant public appearances—can be especially taxing for older leaders.
Trump’s acknowledgment of his stair-related caution represents a departure from his typically confident public persona. His September comments to military leaders revealed a pragmatic approach to the issue, emphasizing safety over speed.
The president’s careful navigation of aircraft stairs stands in contrast to his vigorous campaign schedule and frequent public appearances. While he maintains an active travel itinerary and regular engagement with supporters and the media, the physical realities of his age and medical conditions have become increasingly apparent in moments requiring physical coordination and balance.
As Trump continues in office, questions about presidential health and fitness for office remain subjects of public interest and debate, reflecting broader societal conversations about aging, leadership, and the physical demands of high office.
