Trump, 79, appears frail as he grips handrail while stepping off Air Force One in Japan

TOKYO, JAPAN: Donald Trump appeared frail after sharing details of his recent MRI amid discussions about the 79-year-old president’s declining fitness.

Currently on his Asia tour, Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping later this week to discuss a trade agreement aimed at easing tensions between the US and China.

A video showing Trump carefully stepping down from Air Force One upon his arrival is now going viral. 

Trump takes measured steps off Air Force One

Trump descended the steps of Air Force One slowly and carefully, keeping his eyes on the ground and gripping the handrail tightly.

A video shows the 79-year-old president exiting the jet at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, taking deliberate heel-to-toe steps while focusing on not slipping. Earlier this month, Trump told Marines that he takes “extra care” going down stairs and avoids “bopping down” them, emphasizing the need for slow, deliberate movements. 

During his flight from Malaysia on his Asia tour, Trump told reporters that he had undergone an MRI scan as part of a routine medical checkup earlier this month, though he did not explain the reason.

Now, clips of his careful descent from Air Force One, along with footage from his meeting with Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, have fueled speculation about the president’s health.

Later, Trump walked gingerly from his limo to meet Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, 65, carefully extending his hand for a handshake. As he left the meeting, he appeared to drag his right leg and favor his left side.

All eyes were on his arrival in Japan after he revealed that he had undergone an MRI during what the White House described as a routine checkup at Walter Reed on October 10.

Trump’s reiteration of his good health to reporters

President Donald Trump revealed that he recently underwent an MRI scan, describing the results as “perfect” but offering no explanation for why the test was conducted. The announcement came during his Asia tour while he was en route to Tokyo aboard Air Force One.

“It was perfect,” Trump told reporters on the flight. “The doctor said some of the best reports for the age. Some of the best reports they've ever seen.” He added jokingly, “I wouldn't run. I'd do something. But the doctor said some of the best reports for the age. Some of the best reports they've ever seen.”

Trump’s comments followed his earlier dismissal of health speculation on October 9. Speaking to reporters before a bilateral meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, he said, “I am meeting with the troops, and I’m also going to do a semi-annual physical, which I do, and I think I’m in great shape.” Knocking on wood, he quipped, “I have no difficulty thus far. Is there wood around here? I will knock on it,” prompting laughter from the press.

The president emphasized that he feels healthy both physically and mentally. “No difficulty. Physically, I feel very good. Mentally, I feel very good,” he said, explaining that he undergoes regular physical exams and prefers to stay proactive about his health. “Always be early,” he added. “It’s a lesson for a lot of people.”

Trump also revealed that he took a cognitive test six or seven months ago and achieved a perfect score. “I also did a cognitive exam, which is always very risky because if I didn’t do well, you would be the first to be blaring it,” he said with a grin. “And I had a perfect score. One of the doctors said he’s almost never seen a perfect score.” Trump concluded by saying he believes every president should take a cognitive exam.