Did Putin Use a Body Double to Meet Trump in Alaska? Internet Thinks So
The much-anticipated Alaska summit between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has sparked a fresh wave of online conspiracy theories. According to some social media users, the man who stepped off the plane in Alaska was not Putin at all — but one of his alleged body doubles.
Internet Convinced It Was a Double
Speculation erupted almost immediately after Putin’s arrival. Observers pointed to differences in facial structure, demeanor, and even posture. “That is Putin’s body double #5. His cheeks are rounder and he doesn’t walk with his usual stiff right arm,” one user wrote. Others claimed the leader appeared unusually cheerful, noting that the real Putin is rarely animated in public.
Some even joked about which double had been sent. One viral post on X said, “They didn’t even send the good double. They sent ‘Jovial Putin,’ the expendable one who usually just makes minor appearances.” Another user added, “Cheeks are too pudgy and he smiles too much. Looks like he’s trying to hold back laughter the whole time.”
The Doppelganger Theory
The theory that Putin employs body doubles is not new. In fact, there’s an entire Wikipedia page dedicated to “Alleged doubles of Vladimir Putin.” Supporters believe that multiple stand-ins exist, some of whom have undergone surgery to resemble him more closely.
While Russia has never confirmed this, conspiracy theorists argue that small differences — from the shape of his jawline to the way he waves — can expose the swaps.
The “Gunslinger Gait”
One of the biggest clues believers point to is Putin’s distinctive walk. Known as the “gunslinger gait,” it involves keeping his right arm unusually still while his left swings normally. Neurologists suggest this is not a medical condition but a learned behavior from his KGB years. Soviet operatives were trained to keep their weapon hand close to the chest or holster while walking, allowing them to draw quickly if threatened.
Critics argue that body doubles, no matter how carefully trained, often fail to replicate this subtle movement. The Alaska “Putin” reportedly moved more loosely, fueling suspicion that he wasn’t the real deal.
Why the Theories Persist
Putin’s long rule, secretive leadership style, and limited public appearances have all helped feed the body double rumors. Theories range from him using stand-ins for security reasons to speculation that he’s too ill to appear at certain events.
At the Alaska summit, the lack of detailed press interactions and Putin’s relatively relaxed manner gave conspiracy theorists fresh material to dissect. For many online, the mystery of whether the Russian president actually showed up remains as intriguing as the summit itself.
What This Means Going Forward
Whether or not the Alaska visitor was truly Putin, the speculation reflects just how little trust exists between Moscow, Washington, and global audiences. For Trump, the summit was billed as “productive,” but the side story of a potential Putin double has stolen much of the spotlight online.
For now, conspiracy theories about “Jovial Putin” may remain just that — theories. But as long as small inconsistencies in appearance or behavior keep popping up, the internet won’t stop asking: did we really see Vladimir Putin, or just another lookalike?
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