President Donald Trump descended the stairs of Air Force One slowly while gripping the handrail on January 5, 2026, following a 15-day stay at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach County. The 79-year-old president arrived at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Monday evening before making his way to Washington, D.C.
The president’s careful descent came after he appeared to slur words during a press conference on Venezuela given on Monday. Trump also appeared to close his eyes during portions of the press conference while General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, was speaking.
Trump has been candid about his concerns regarding stairs. In September 2025, he told military generals at Quantico Marine Corps base about his fear of falling. “I walk very slowly,” Trump said. “Nobody has to set a record. Just try not to fall because it doesn’t work out well… Just walk nice and easy. You don’t have to set any record.”
The president referenced his predecessor, Joe Biden, who was 82 when he left the White House. Trump’s careful approach to stairs has become a repeated theme in recent months, with multiple instances captured on camera.
Before Christmas, Trump was observed slapping his right leg three times before descending stairs. During his time at Mar-a-Lago before New Year, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited to discuss a Gaza peace plan.
Trump’s physical movements have drawn increased scrutiny. He dragged his right leg while walking and took a long arc toward Marine One following his Air Force One descent. On October 29, 2025, during a visit to South Korea for APEC meetings, Trump gripped the railing with his eyes fixed downward on the stairs at Gimhae International Airport in Busan, South Korea. The trip also included stops in Malaysia and Japan.
The president’s health has become a topic of discussion following revelations about medical visits and procedures. Trump visited Walter Reed Military Medical Center in mid-July 2025 after experiencing mild swelling in his lower legs. An ultrasound performed during that visit revealed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
Before New Year, Trump had an MRI scan performed. Speaking about the scan in October 2025, Trump said the MRI was perfect. However, medical experts noted that such imaging tests are typically ordered for specific reasons.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, who served as cardiologist to former Vice President Dick Cheney, explained that MRIs are typically prompted by symptoms.
Navy Captain Sean Barbabella addressed Trump’s medical care, stating that Trump underwent a CT scan as part of a physical examination. The CT scan showed no abnormalities, according to Barbabella.
Trump’s health discussions have coincided with policy announcements from his administration. On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reduced childhood vaccine recommendations from 18 to 11 diseases.
Trump arrived in Palm Beach County early on December 20 for his extended holiday stay. The president’s travel schedule has included numerous high-profile meetings and international trips, requiring frequent use of Air Force One.
