Trump’s Stairs Quip at AmFest Blends Humor with Holiday Message, Sparking Mixed Reactions
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President-elect Donald Trump drew attention to his aversion to stairs during a speech at AmFest in Arizona on Sunday, sparking both amusement and criticism. As he stepped onto the stage, Trump opened by extending holiday greetings to the audience.
“Nice to win the election and very nice to win,” Trump began. “And I want to wish everybody a very Merry Christmas. They don’t say that too much anymore.” The speech took a lighthearted turn when Trump joked about his backstage concerns regarding steps leading to the stage.
“And when I had all that smoke backstage, I said, ‘Hey, are there any steps in front of me?’” Trump remarked. “‘I don’t want to go. I go down. That would not be good.’” He added with a chuckle, “We don’t want to do that nice and slow, but I just want to thank you.”
Trump’s comments alluded to his history of being scrutinized for his cautious approach to stairs and ramps during public appearances. Critics have previously mocked his slow descent at events, while supporters often defend his remarks as playful banter, reported Newsweek.
The president-elect’s quip comes as part of his broader effort to connect with audiences through humor and self-referential commentary. While some attendees responded with laughter, others noted the recurring focus on his discomfort with stairs, which has been a talking point for opponents in the past.
Trump’s address at AmFest centered on themes of patriotism and the holiday spirit, with his remarks about stairs providing a lighter moment in an otherwise politically charged event. The comment also echoed his tendency to address even minor controversies head-on, often turning them into moments of levity or defiance.
As Trump prepares to take office, such remarks continue to showcase his unfiltered and unconventional communication style—a hallmark of his political persona. However, they also highlight the polarizing nature of his public appearances, which often spark reactions ranging from amusement to criticism across social and political spectrums.
For many at AmFest, Trump’s remarks were a reminder of his ability to blend humor with his signature rhetoric, keeping the audience engaged and entertained.
