Footage of Donald Trump attempting to climb into a campaign-branded garbage truck has gone viral, sparking discussions about his health. The incident took place during a campaign stop in Wisconsin, where Trump donned a fluorescent orange safety vest. This action was interpreted as a direct response to President Joe Biden’s recent remarks about his supporters, which some perceived as derogatory.
The seven-second clip, shared on X by pollster Matt McDermott, captures Trump reaching for the truck’s door and appearing uncertain on his feet. McDermott commented, “Trump seems to be really struggling physically,” a sentiment echoed by many online. The video quickly gained traction, amassing over 3.7 million views and nearly 8,000 reposts.
In reaction to the video, legal analyst Jeffrey Evan Gold quipped, “I don’t think he’s going to pass the physical for the garbage job, but at least he’s trying.” Comedian Deven Green, tweeting from her satirical account, remarked that Trump now moves “like a drunk,” indicating a noticeable decline in his physical condition.
Prominent figures responded to the footage as well. Former NBA player Rex Chapman humorously questioned whether the footage would make it onto evening news broadcasts. Political consultant Stuart Stevens highlighted the irony of Trump’s situation, pointing out that no city or state would hire him as a garbage man due to his legal issues.
Conversely, some commentators praised Trump’s quick response to Biden’s comments. Alana Mastrangelo of Breitbart News suggested that Trump’s entrance into the garbage truck was a strategic move, claiming, “He’s playing chess. They’re playing checkers.” Similarly, the account “Libs of TikTok” expressed amusement at the media’s coverage of the incident.
The context of Biden’s comments traces back to a recent rally where he seemed to call Trump supporters “garbage.” White House spokesperson Andrew Bates clarified that Biden’s remarks were aimed at the “hateful rhetoric” of the rally, not at Trump supporters collectively. In his own address from the garbage truck, Trump drew comparisons to Hillary Clinton’s infamous “basket of deplorables” remark in 2016, labeling Biden’s comment a “disgrace.”
During the rally in Green Bay, Trump humorously recounted how his campaign team encouraged him to wear the orange vest, claiming it made him look thinner. After initially resisting, he jokingly declared, “I may never wear a blue jacket again.”
Trump’s appearance in the garbage truck took place at Austin Straubel International Airport in Green Bay, Wisconsin, ahead of a rally at the Resch Center. In a light-hearted moment, he asked reporters, “How do you like my garbage truck? This truck is in honor of Kamala and Joe Biden,” highlighting the event’s playful undertone amid the serious nature of his campaign.