When President Donald Trump stepped onto the White House South Lawn Friday morning, social media couldn’t help but wonder if those bright kicks were doing double duty as a fashion statement and medical necessity.
The 79-year-old commander in chief was seen heading to the prestigious Ryder Cup golf tournament at Bethpage Black Course in Farmingdale, New York, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai Trump, when photographers captured his unusual footwear.
He was seen sporting $300 gleaming white FootJoy MyJoys Premiere Series Packard Spiked golf shoes, designed to provide “stability and support from the moment you step foot onto the course,” according to the manufacturer, according to the Daily Beast.
But social media had other theories about the president’s footwear choice, noting that Trump ‘ridiculous with that baggy suit” he had on.
One X user wrote, “What’s with the white shoes? Is Trump selling cars, circa 1974?”
“Do they have spikes so he doesn’t fall?” one person questioned on Facebook, while another joked, “He wanted the DeSantis White GoGo boots but couldn’t get them over his cankles.”
A third commenter on Facebook speculated, “Was he hiding his cankles?”
What’s with the white shoes? Is Trump selling cars,circa 1974?
— Lemon-Cherry Cookies (@LauderSamu95110) September 27, 2025
One observer who noticed the change wrote, “I wonder why? Maybe they are his old tennis shoes from the time that he was playing Tennis! It seems very odd!
The online commentary reflected growing public awareness of Trump’s recent medical diagnosis.
The president’s appearance at the elite golf tournament came months after the White House confirmed he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency in July, a condition affecting blood circulation in the legs that can cause noticeable swelling around the ankles.
Donald Trump, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, boarded the motorcade on the South Lawn of the White House on August 30, 2025, heading to Trump National Golf Club in Sterling, Virginia. #Trump #BreakingNews #Golf #DonaldTrump #POTUS #whereistrump #trumpdead #TrumpIsDead pic.twitter.com/OIUlsqIGBW
— Celine Alie (@CelineAlie58) August 30, 2025
The White House physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, described the condition as “benign and common” for people over 70, though it has sparked considerable discussion about the president’s health.
Seventeen-year-old Kai Trump has emerged as something of a golf prodigy herself, following in her grandfather’s footsteps on the links.
The teenager has been making waves in junior golf circuits, and het presence at the Ryder Cup wasn’t just familial support but also reflected her genuine passion for the sport that has defined much of her grandfather’s leisure time.
The outing showcased the close bond between Trump and his granddaughter, with photographers capturing moments of them walking together across the manicured grounds of Bethpage.
Kai sported merchandise from her own $130 clothing line, demonstrating the family’s knack for combining personal appearances with business opportunities. The images painted a picture of a grandfather enjoying quality time with his granddaughter while attending one of golf’s most prestigious international competitions.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s social media presence has continued to provide commentary on Trump’s public appearances, with his fan accounts amplifying discussions about everything from policy decisions to physical appearance.
The Democratic governor’s supporters have turned political criticism into an art form, often focusing on details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Critics have noted the irony of current discussions about Trump’s physical condition, given his previous comments about other politicians’ appearances. During a 2023 interview, Trump had mocked then-President Biden’s legs, claiming, “You watch him and it looks like he’s walking on toothpicks.”
Those remarks have taken on new significance as public attention focuses on Trump’s own leg-related health concerns.
Medical experts explain that chronic venous insufficiency affects many Americans, particularly those over 70, and typically requires ongoing management through lifestyle modifications including regular exercise, leg elevation, and sometimes compression socks.
While not life-threatening, the condition can cause significant discomfort and visible swelling.
As Trump concluded his day at the Ryder Cup, the intersection of his medical condition, footwear choices, and public scrutiny illustrated how even routine presidential activities can become subjects of intense online discussion and political commentary.
Great Job Nicole Duncan-Smith & the Team @ Atlanta Black Star Source link for sharing this story.
