Approaching his 80th birthday, US President Donald Trump insists he is "perfectly healthy." The White House is issuing a series of reassuring statements, but photos of his tired face and verbal gaffes are fueling a public debate about the president's physical and mental fitness to lead the country, French media reported today.
For several months now, Donald Trump's numerous public appearances have been prompting commentary - pronounced bruises on his hands, visible swelling in his legs, a sometimes heavy gait and moments of obvious fatigue or drowsiness during ceremonies or meetings.
Trump, who throughout the election campaign mocked his Democratic rival Joseph Biden by calling him "Sleepy Joe," now has to face the fact that photographers and television footage have shown him dozing off at public events.
The Republican president denies "napping" during public events, accusing the media of taking photos of him blinking and then closing his eyes.
Doctors appearing on television programs emphasize that such isolated symptoms do not necessarily indicate a serious illness, but that they require close medical monitoring in a person approaching 80 years of age.
Several media outlets report that the president has "slowed down the pace," that his workday is shorter than at the beginning of his term, and that he travels less often, although his supporters highlight his passionate golfing and his "resilience" to a busy schedule.
Trump was born on June 14, 1946, in New York.
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