Trump’s ‘droopy’ face at 9/11 memorial sparks stroke speculation amid health concerns

Clips on social media show Donald Trump’s face drooping on one side at the Pentagon memorial, sparking speculation of possible stroke symptoms
PUBLISHED SEP 12, 2025
Donald Trump’s 9/11 appearance sparked an online debate over his apparent facial droop (Getty Images)
Donald Trump’s 9/11 appearance sparked an online debate over his apparent facial droop (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump has reignited concerns about his health after he and first lady Melania Trump attended a 9/11 commemoration event where videos appeared to show a droop on one side of his face.

The footage, widely circulated online, has prompted speculation about whether the 79-year-old president suffered a stroke, though there has been no official confirmation from the White House. 



 

Concerns over Trump's face ‘droop’ at 9/11 memorial

Several clips and screengrabs circulating on social media show Trump’s face appearing to droop on one side during the Pentagon memorial ceremony. Some commenters linked the appearance to potential stroke symptoms.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: U.S. President Donald Trump salutes during the playing of
President Donald Trump salutes during the playing of 'Taps' with first lady Melania Trump during a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The American Stroke Association notes, “During a stroke, blood flow to different parts of the brain can stop. If blood flow to the left side of the brain is compromised, the right side of the person’s face could droop or twist,” and vice versa.

ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA - SEPTEMBER 11: U.S. President Donald Trump attends a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. Today marks the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks that claimed the lives of nearly 3,000 people. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
President Donald Trump attends a September 11th observance event in the courtyard of the Pentagon September 11, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

One person wrote, “I know we’re all busy with the other thing. But did Trump have a stroke? Cuz that looks a LOT like stroke related facial droop to me. (This is from this morning’s 9/11 memorial).”



 

Another remarked, “Trump at the 9/11 Pentagon memorial ceremony. What is wrong with his face? Definitely has pronounced drooping on the right side of face & mouth, typical of medical condition.”



 

"Did he have a stroke? The right side of his face seems...broken," one wrote. 



 

Users also mentioned, "I’m leaning toward palsy, not a stroke," and "Mini Stroke?"



 



 

Past health scares resurface amid fresh concerns over Trump’s appearance

The event follows previous speculation over Trump’s health, including images of a bruise on his hand and a photograph at the US Open showing him appearing to take a blue pill. Trump has also been seen in the past with a bruise on his hand, sparking worries online.

Donald Trump photographed with a mysterious blue object between his teeth at the U.S. Open men’s final, fueling speculation online (X @AndresKudacki)
Donald Trump photographed with a mysterious blue object between his teeth at the US Open men’s final, fueling speculation online (X/@AndresKudacki)

Trump’s physician, Sean Barbabella, previously attributed the bruises to “minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.” He said the president was otherwise in “excellent cognitive and physical health” and noted the bruises could also be linked to the aspirin.

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 15: White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 15, 2025 in Washington, DC. Leavitt took questions on the Trump administration's plan to block federal grants and contracts from Harvard University, deportations, a Russia peace deal with Ukraine and other topics. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt takes a question during a daily press briefing in the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House on April 15, 2025 in Washington, DC (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement to the Independent clarifying the matter, saying, “President Trump is a man of the people, and he meets more Americans and shakes their hands on a daily basis than any other President in history. His commitment is unwavering, and he proves that every single day.”

Leavitt also confirmed Trump underwent a “comprehensive exam” including vascular testing. It revealed a chronic vein condition, though no serious health issues were reported.

The White House has not directly commented on the facial droop claims or the stroke speculation.  

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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