No, this photo doesn't show Trump needing help to walk | Fact check

Andre Byik, USA TODAY
·2 min read

The claim: Image shows Trump needed help to walk across stage

A June 17 Threads post (direct link, archive link) includes a photo of former President Donald Trump walking on an elevated platform while holding the hand of a man walking below him.

The caption says Trump "had to be held steady as he walked the runway."

The post was liked 1,000 times in four days.

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Our rating: False

The post presents a false narrative about the image. While the photo shows Trump holding the hand of his son, Donald Trump Jr., he wasn't being held steady. Video footage shows the former president shook his son's hand before continuing to walk unassisted. The two joined hands for only about a second.

Photo shows Trump at 2023 rally in Florida

The image of Trump included in the Threads post matches a photo taken by a Reuters photographer on Nov. 8, 2023, in the Florida city of Hialeah, which is a suburb of Miami. The Reuters photo caption describes the image as Trump holding hands with Trump Jr. during a campaign rally at Ted Hendricks Stadium.

But video footage of the event makes it clear Trump was not being held steady by his son.

The moment captured in the photo was livestreamed on YouTube by Right Side Broadcasting Network, a conservative media company that regularly broadcasts Trump's campaign rallies.

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The footage shows Trump had finished his speech and was walking away from the lectern, stopping to recognize his supporters along the way. Trump then notices Trump Jr. approach the elevated platform he's standing on. The former president shakes his son's hand briefly before continuing on his way. The moment with his son lasted for only about one second.

At no point in the video does Trump Jr., who also delivered remarks at the rally, hold his father steady so the latter can walk.

The Threads user who shared the post did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Reuters also debunked the claim.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump held son's hand but didn't need help walking | Fact check

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