A new book has raised fresh concerns about Donald Trump's health, alleging that even some of his aides privately acknowledge the 80-year-old president is showing signs of ageing. Regime Change: Inside the Imperial Presidency of Donald Trump, by New York Times correspondents Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan, details physical and cognitive symptoms that have sparked worry within the White House.
Physical Symptoms and Public Scrutiny
Since returning to office, Trump has been observed with swollen ankles, bruising on his hands, and a rash on his neck. He has also been photographed dozing off during meetings and summits. The book notes that his hearing has deteriorated, often requiring repetition of questions. Joint press conferences were moved to the Oval Office partly due to better acoustics, sparing him from standing for an hour.
According to the authors, Trump's verbal filter has eroded. “Whatever thin verbal filter he had in the past was gone,” they wrote. Aides remarked that, for the first time, he appeared old to them, with moments of fatigue and cupping his hand behind his ear to hear.
Swollen Ankles and Image Management
Trump's swollen ankles, linked to chronic venous insufficiency, have frustrated him. The book claims he instructed press secretary Karoline Leavitt to publicly address the issue. Aides viewed this as unusual but reflective of his fixation on public image. Longtime aide Walt Nauta reportedly carried make-up, hairspray, Tic Tacs, a clothes steamer, and scissors for Trump to trim his hair. Trump has used make-up to conceal hand bruising.
White House Response and Comparisons
White House spokesman Davis Ingle rejected the claims, stating: “President Trump's sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration... President Trump is the sharpest and most accessible President in American history.” The allegations draw comparisons to Trump's past attacks on Joe Biden, whom he labelled “Sleepy Joe” and criticized as too old.
