Kathrine Frich
During a 9/11 commemoration, viewers noticed the right side of President Donald Trump’s face appeared to droop.
During a 9/11 commemoration, viewers noticed the right side of President Donald Trump’s face appeared to droop.
Health scare at 9/11 memorial
During a 9/11 commemoration, viewers noticed the right side of President Donald Trump’s face appeared to droop.
The moment sparked a flurry of concern online and prompted questions about his health.
Reports also noted he was out of the White House press pool’s sight for 46 minutes during a New York Yankees game later that day, adding to speculation.
Social media leaps to a stroke theory
Commenters quickly suggested a possible stroke.
Jeremy Kaplowitz wrote: “So this guy like 100% had a stroke right?”
Another user, @BoyForida, claimed: “He and his colleagues were all saying Trump had a stroke.”
Others piled on, framing the clip as proof that “the President shows visible signs of having had a stroke.”
Expert view: photos may exaggerate the issue
Dr Gareth Nye, a lecturer in Biomedical Science at the University of Salford, urged caution.
“Having watched the full video of his appearance during the event, I think this might be some well timed photos which have captured something that looks worse than it is.”
He added: “There appears to be no issue in speech, movement or cognition during the event.”
How stroke signs are assessed
Dr Nye noted that facial droop can be a stroke indicator, especially around the mouth.
He mentioned a basic check that clinicians use:
“One of the specific signs of stroke compared with other facial droop conditions is the ability to symmetrically raise eyebrows. If a patient can do this but cant do the same with the lips, it is highly likely a stroke has occurred.”
Bell’s palsy or another benign cause?
Dr Nye said other conditions could explain the appearance, including treatment to prevent strokes or temporary facial nerve issues.
Family physician Dr Kathie Allen echoed this view:
“Sorry, medical doctor here, and I deplore Trump, but this could be explained by Bell’s palsy also, a benign condition where a facial nerve is temporarily (and sometimes permanently) out of commission. Stop automatically assuming it is due to a stroke.”
What emergency response would look like
Both doctors stressed that obvious stroke signs usually trigger urgent medical action.
As Dr Nye put it, if clear drooping were present,
“I’m certain he would have been taken away for medical assistance immediately, time is always of the essence in strokes.”
Dr Allen added that with top-tier care, suspected stroke patients are rushed for rapid treatment to limit damage.
NHS guidance: know the sudden signs
The NHS advises that stroke symptoms can come on suddenly.
Key warning signs include:
- Face weakness with a drooping smile.
- Arm weakness or numbness that prevents lifting both arms.
- Slurred or confused speech.
