London: Donald Trump’s proposed state visit to the UK later this year is being planned to avoid the US President having to climb any staircases after reports of his phobia of steps and slopes, according to a media report. Planners want to stage events on the ground floor of buildings, and design routes for Trump that minimise his use of staircases, ‘The Sunday Times’ reported. The President is due to visit Britain in October, where he will be honoured with a state dinner at Buckingham Palace and a trip to Queen Elizabeth II’s Scottish retreat – Balmoral Castle. But a senior government figure said he had attended meetings where Trump’s dislike of stairs was raised after the President had controversially grasped Theresa May’s hand on a ramp during the British Prime Minister’s visit to the White House in January. The official said: “I have heard this discussed in meetings about the state visit. People want everything to go smoothly. Trump won’t be able to avoid the stairs at the palace but they can plan things to minimise it”. Trump is a self-confessed “germaphobe” who, aides say, does not like using handrails or shaking hands. ‘The Washington Post’ has also reported he avoids stairs. (PTI)
