The 'Poopy' Trump Rumor That's Actually Based In Science

Rumors surrounding President Trump's health have circulated since his first term, when he was inaugurated at age 70. Such rumors have only intensified in the ensuing years, especially since he was sworn in for his second term at the age of 78. This year, he'll turn 80, and it appears that his advanced age is catching up to him. From rumors alleging signs of dementia, cardiovascular problems (including more rumors around a hushed MRI test), and reports of possible skin disease, the president's overall decline seems credible. Perhaps the most disturbing rumor, however, is that he struggles with fecal incontinence.

There is no hard evidence to suggest that the president poops his pants beyond second-hand accounts. For example, a former staffer from "The Apprentice" claims that Trump wore diapers during tapings and, "would often soil himself." But the rumor didn't gain mainstream attention until early 2026, when a video of an Oval Office event allegedly showed staff members abruptly asked to leave after a slightly audible fart-like sound caused some of those standing near the president to crinkle their noses. The video proves nothing, but it does draw attention to a common experience among the elderly — there's a reason adult diapers are primarily used by the 65-plus crowd. 

Aging comes with a higher risk of cognitive decline, and cognitive decline comes with a higher risk of bathroom issues. Such bathroom issues can go one of two ways: Chronic constipation is associated with accelerated aging in the brain, and there may even be a degree of causation between the two. On the other hand, dementia patients are more likely to experience incontinence. According to a U.K-based 2013 study, dementia triples the risk of urinary incontinence and quadruples the risk of fecal incontinence. In other words, if it's true that Trump experiences fecal incontinence, it may give credence to the dementia rumor, as well.

Evidence suggesting that President Trump has dementia is abundant, which, as discussed, could explain his incontinence. During speeches, he frequently forgets the topic and devolves into incoherent digressions. To name some of the more notorious examples, he was incoherent during a talk at the Economic Club of New York, during several of his own rallies in 2024, and during his address to the U.N. General Assembly.

According to Harry Segal from Cornell University's Psychology Department, such displays of incoherence are strong signs of dementia. They reveal the loss of an individual's ability to employ complex speech, which results in the failure to maintain a train of thought. There are other symptoms of dementia that Trump displays, too. For one, his gait is strange — he drags one leg, which experts claim could be a sign of a stroke or of a decline in psychomotor performance due to cognitive decline. Then, there's his phonemic paraphasia; he frequently starts a word without finishing it. All such observations lead to speculation, but the evidence is undeniably strong.

There are many lifestyle choices that contribute to cognitive decline in old age, which could explain Trump's alleged dementia. Seniors looking to maintain their cognitive health as they enter old age are encouraged by geriatricians to stay physically active, such as by practicing Tai Chi, one of the healthiest activities for people over 60; to maintain a healthy diet, such as by taking vitamin D supplements, a popular supplement that might slow aging; and to get sufficient sleep. To the frustration of Trump's staffers, the president does none of those things. His only exercise is playing golf, his diet consists largely of processed foods like soda and McDonalds, and his sleep schedule is inconsistent. Considering this trifecta of poor habits, it's no wonder so many people suspect the 79-year-old president is losing control of his bowels.