The specific report fueling this online debate comes from Professor Bruce Davidson of Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. Appearing on the podcast The Court of History this week, Davidson provided a detailed clinical analysis of recent public footage that he claims is "highly suggestive" of a past neurological event.
The Air Force One Footage The core of the "stroke" theory centers on footage from Tuesday, January 13, 2026, showing President Trump disembarking from Air Force One. Davidson and other online observers pointed to several specific physical markers:
The Left-Hand Grip: Davidson noted that the President, who is right-handed, was seen "gingerly" descending the stairs while gripping the banister tightly with his left hand for support.
The "Shuffling" Gait: The professor highlighted a change in Trump's walking style, describing it as a "shuffling of the feet" that differs from the confident stride seen during his golfing clips or earlier in his presidency.
Right-Side Weakness: Davidson speculated that the President may have suffered a stroke on the left side of the brain, which controls the right side of the body. He cited footage of Trump "cradling" his right hand in his left as further evidence of potential motor impairment.
White House Rebuttal The White House has moved quickly to shut down the speculation, labeling the claims as "deranged wishcasting" and "BS Fake News."
Excellent Health: Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt stated that the President is in "excellent health" and that his physical stamina is superior to that of much younger men.
The "Aspirin" Defense: In a recent Wall Street Journal interview, Trump himself addressed the bruising on his hands (another point of speculation), attributing it to a high daily regimen of 325mg of aspirin which he takes to keep his blood "nice and thin."
Medical Memos: The President’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, released a memo in December 2025 stating that "advanced imaging" (which Trump called an MRI but was later clarified as a CT scan) of the President’s heart and abdomen showed "perfectly normal" results with no signs of clotting or arterial narrowing.
Context: The "Golen" and "Cognitive" Debate These health concerns are being amplified by the President’s own recent gaffes, including the "Golen Dome" spelling error on January 14. Critics have used the "stroke" theory to explain what they describe as "marked episodes of excessive daytime sleepiness" and "garbling of words" during live remarks.
Despite the rumors, the President has continued his aggressive schedule, including a "beautiful milk" signing ceremony and preparations for the 2026 World Economic Forum in Davos, which he plans to attend in person.
00:00A clinical professor of medicine has publicly said he believes President Donald Trump may have experienced a stroke, citing observations from the president's recent public appearances.
00:09Professor Bruce Davidson of Washington State University's Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine shared his assessment during an episode of the podcast The Court of History, hosted by historian Sean Weilance and author Sidney Blumenthal.
00:20Davidson emphasized that his remarks reflected his personal medical impression based on publicly available footage and statements.
00:26According to Davidson, certain physical behaviors, such as changes in gait, hand positioning, and episodes of daytime sleepiness, are consistent with symptoms often seen after a stroke.
00:35He said these observations appeared to emerge earlier in 2025 and may indicate a stroke affecting the left side of the brain, which controls the right side of the body.
00:43Davidson also referenced occasions in which Trump appeared to struggle briefly with speech earlier in the year, noting that such symptoms can improve over time in stroke patients.
00:51He added that Trump's reported use of a daily full-dose aspirin raised questions, as that dosage is commonly prescribed to prevent repeat strokes in specific cases.
00:59Trump, who is 79, has repeatedly stated that he is in excellent physical and cognitive health, and the White House has issued statements supporting that position.
01:07Davidson said he does not believe the president shows signs of dementia, and stated that Trump appears capable of performing his duties.
01:13The professor further noted that many individuals recover from strokes while maintaining judgment and decision-making ability, particularly with medical care and support.
01:21The professor also discussed Trump's comments about undergoing medical imaging, explaining the difference between CT scans and MRS, and suggesting that an MRI of the brain may have been performed.
01:31Davidson said he believes public disclosure of significant health events is important in a democracy.
01:36He said there is no current indication that constitutional measures regarding presidential fitness are necessary, while adding that transparency about a president's health is important in a democratic system.
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