Full Breakdown
Physical Therapist Suggests Trump’s G7 Handshake May Indicate Recent Stroke
6/24/2026, 7:56:09 AM
Handshake Observation at the G7 Summit
During the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, President Donald Trump offered a handshake to French President Emmanuel Macron that appeared unusually vertical. The clip was highlighted on a recent episode of “The David Pakman Show,” where host David Pakman noted the atypical posture and invited commentary.
Background: Trump’s Signature Handshake
Trump has historically employed a firm, prolonged handshake that observers have described as an intimidation tactic. According to licensed physical therapist Adam James, the vertical orientation of the recent handshake required a more complex series of movements, revealing potential weakness in Trump’s right shoulder.
Key Figures
- Donald Trump – President of the United States, subject of the health observation.
- Emmanuel Macron – President of France, recipient of the handshake.
- Adam James – Licensed physical therapist who analyzed the handshake video.
- David Pakman – Host of “The David Pakman Show,” who presented the clip for analysis.
Official Statements & Responses
The source does not contain any official comment from the White House, President Trump, or the French presidency regarding the observed handshake or the health speculation presented by James.
Criticism & Opposition
James interpreted the observed weakness as a possible sign of a recent neurological episode, suggesting that it could indicate a prior stroke. He emphasized that any stroke-related symptoms would likely be addressed promptly by the White House’s medical resources.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The analysis relies solely on visual assessment of a public video. No medical records, diagnostic tests, or statements from Trump’s physicians are provided, leaving the claim unverified. The source does not present alternative medical opinions or independent expert evaluations. Thus, the claim remains uncorroborated.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Normally, he loves to do this power move where he shakes the hand of a dignitary or a person that he's set to meet with, and he holds their hand really tightly, and he refuses to let go,” — Adam James, Licensed Physical Therapist
- “Anytime he would display any symptoms of stroke, he's going to get that intervention as soon as possible,” — Adam James, Licensed Physical Therapist
- “The White House is basically a hospital step-down unit so he can receive whatever he needs as soon as he possibly could need it.” — Adam James, Licensed Physical Therapist
What’s Next
James indicated that the White House’s medical infrastructure would enable rapid treatment should stroke symptoms emerge, but no further investigations or official health disclosures have been announced.
