CNN's "New Day" ran a segment Wednesday morning questioning whether President Donald Trump is afraid of stairs.
"A case of chivalry or a phobia?" said host Alisyn Camerota. "A theory about why President Trump grabbed the British Prime Minister's hand, now getting the thumb's down."
British tabloids questioned in January whether Trump was afraid of stairs when he walked down a ramp holding hands with Prime Minister Theresa May. An anonymous source in 10 Downing Street said that Trump has bathmophobia, the fear of stairs and occasionally ramps.
May shot down the rumor, telling Vogue, "I think he was actually being a gentleman. We were about to walk down a ramp and he said it might be a bit awkward."
Nonetheless, CNN's Jeanne Moos said she was "slightly obsessed" about the rumor, helpfully noting it was "a fear common to household pets." She played footage of Trump walking down stairs while watching his step or clutching to railings.
Trump is seventy years old.
In response to CNN's inquiries, the Trump White House replied, "No offense, but this is an absurd question."