Questions regarding the health and stamina of President Donald Trump have intensified after two separate incidents this week reportedly showed the 79-year-old leader struggling to stay awake during public duties.
On Thursday, during an Oval Office announcement regarding a deal to cut prices for popular weight-loss drugs, reports indicated that Trump’s eyes appeared closed, and he was seen rubbing his eyes, leading to speculation that he was briefly dozing off. The announcement covered prescription drugs intended to help Americans struggling with conditions like obesity and heart disease.
The controversy was further fueled by a video cited by The Daily Beast on Saturday, which allegedly showed the President collapsing “in exhaustion” into a waiting limousine after descending the steps of Air Force One at a seemingly cautious pace.
White House Denies Claims
The incidents quickly drew mockery from political opponents, notably California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Press Office, which posted images from the Oval Office event with the caption: “DOZY DON IS BACK!”
The White House, however, vehemently denied the accusations. White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers issued a statement to CNN:
Taylor Rogers: “The President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the press during this announcement which represents a historic reduction in prices for Americans on two drugs… The failing, liberal media want to push a garbage narrative instead of covering it.”
‘Sleepy Joe’ Nickname Resurfaces
The latest health questions are particularly sharp given Trump’s persistent attacks on his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he frequently derided as “Sleepy Joe” during his political campaigns. Biden, the oldest president in history until Trump took office, had faced similar scrutiny for appearing drowsy during public events.
Questions about Trump’s health have been a constant focus since he became the oldest man ever inaugurated to the job. Earlier last month, the President revealed he received an MRI during a physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center but did not specify the reason for the scan. The White House has previously disclosed that doctors diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition causing swelling in the legs.
The footage and reports come amid a backdrop of rising public concern over the age and fitness of the current administration, further fueling the ongoing political debate about transparency concerning the President’s health.