Donald Trump has sparked fresh health fears after appearing to "completely pass out" while announcing a "historic" new project in the Oval Office. The US President unveiled plans to build the "largest steel plant in American history" on Monday, marking a $15billion (£11billion) investment in Iowa, a key battleground state, ahead of the midterms in November.
Social media reaction
Social media commentators were quick to spot Mr Trump's eyes closing during the live news conference, with one describing him as "completely passed out". Another added: "Trump sleeping in the Oval Office is becoming the new norm."
Images from the announcement showed Mr Trump dozing off in just the latest instance of the 80-year-old president struggling to keep his eyes open in public.
Growing speculation
Speculation over the US leader's cognitive and physical abilities has continued to grow in recent months, amid sightings of heavy bruising and swelling and increasing instances of forgetfulness.
Former White House correspondents Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan also lifted the lid on Mr Trump's strange habits during his second term in a book published this summer. They said White House staffers have begun to notice that the president "seems old" and is experiencing "repeated bouts of drowsiness during mid-afternoon events".
Ms Haberman and Mr Swan also suggested that he was keeping even "stranger hours" than in his first term, staying up all night watching television and "finally catching some sleep at around four or five in the morning".
White House response
The White House has consistently rubbished scrutiny of Mr Trump's health, insisting he remains in a "perfect" condition. His physician Sean Barbarella said the leader displayed "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function" and is "fully fit" to serve as commander in chief following a check-up earlier this year.
