Photos of U.S. President Donald Trump with noticeably swollen ankles at the FIFA Club World Cup finals on Sunday have raised public concern and sparked fresh speculation about his health. The event, held at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, saw Trump and wife Melania seated in the VIP section, where close-up images provided a clear view of his ankles and footwear — drawing immediate attention online.
Medical professionals are now weighing in on the possible causes behind the swelling, and whether it points to a serious underlying condition.
“Ankle swelling can be due to a range of factors: anything from standing up for too long in the hot weather, to heart or liver problems,” said Dr. Jeff Foster, Medical Director of Manual, in a statement to ReachPlc.
“The big one we worry about is heart failure — a condition where the heart cannot pump blood around the body efficiently, leading to fluid pooling in the feet and ankles.”
Dr. Foster cautioned that while minor puffiness around the socks can be normal in hot weather, significant ankle swelling in someone reportedly fit and active warrants medical attention.
“This would beg the question as to whether there is something more significant health-wise going on,” he added.
Weight Loss Speculation
In addition to the swelling, observers have pointed out that Trump appears to have lost weight in recent weeks. Dr. Daniel Atkinson, speaking to the Irish Star, noted several possible causes of unintentional weight loss in older adults, especially those under intense physical and psychological stress.
“A person who’s almost 80 with a busy schedule might be more at risk of certain conditions that can cause weight loss,” said Atkinson.
“Diabetes, for example, can cause weight changes when the condition is unmanaged. Insulin resistance can also develop with age.”
Social Media Reaction
Photos from the stadium quickly went viral, with hashtags like #TrumpAnkles and #TrumpHealth trending on social media platforms. While some dismissed the concerns as overblown, others demanded transparency about the former president’s medical condition — especially as speculation swirls around a potential 2024 election rematch.