President Donald Trump was mocked online after a brief viral moment at the G7 Summit in France, where he appeared to lose his balance while joining other world leaders for an official group photo.
Donald Trump’s noticeable health concern
The incident occurred during the summit’s traditional “family photo” when Trump — who recently turned 80 — approached a small riser ahead of a working dinner alongside leaders from the world’s largest economies. As he stepped toward the platform, Trump appeared cautious, carefully watching his footing while navigating grass and stepping stones before reaching the single step.
As Trump moved to climb onto the riser, several nearby leaders extended their hands to assist him. Trump accepted help from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, grabbing Modi’s forearm before stepping up and turning toward photographers while other leaders looked on.
Trump was also seen gripping Modi’s hand again as he stepped down from the riser following the photo session.
Online backlash to the viral moment
The brief exchange quickly gained attention online, with critics raising concerns about the president’s physical condition and questioning whether the moment reflected deeper health issues.
“Trump clutches Modi for support as he tries to climb a single small step,” journalist Aaron Rupar described the moment on X.
Arizona Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari also commented on the incident, writing, “The President of the United States is visibly struggling and the signs of worsening cognitive decline are becoming harder and harder to ignore… Why is this not a national story every day?”
A third X user shared, “This is why you don’t put an 80-year-old man on an eight-hour flight hours after he’s been up half the night at a giant UFC fight and expect him to conduct high-level negotiations in meetings with world leaders.”
Donald Trump has been keeping busy
Despite the online reaction, Trump has maintained a demanding schedule throughout the summit. Recently, he met individually with leaders from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Ukraine, India and Egypt, while also attending multiple group meetings with delegations from South Korea, Kenya, Brazil and other partner nations.
Trump has additionally said he is winding down the Iran conflict, secured assurances regarding nuclear weapons development and criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for killing “too many people” in Lebanon during ongoing fighting with Hezbollah militants.