Donald Trump has sparked fresh health fears after appearing in public with a mysterious bulge on his backside. Speculation about the US president's cognitive and physical wellbeing has been rampant for months, following instances of falling asleep in public and visible bruising and swelling.
Bulge spotted at rally
Commentators found fresh cause for concern after Mr Trump appeared at a rally sporting a strange bulge on his backside. A rigid shape could be seen underneath the 80-year-old president's suit as he bid farewell to outgoing White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at an event in Long Island on Friday.
The strange bulge held its position as Mr Trump made his way from the podium after speaking, videos and photos shared on social media showed.
Social media reactions
Journalist Aaron Rupar wrote on X: "Seriously, what is going on with Trump's rear end here? It looks like he has some sort of contraption back there." Another X user joked: "Did he get a Brazilian butt lift?"
Even tennis legend Martina Navratilova waded into the discussion, writing: "Why does it look like there's a box on his right cheek? That's a big diaper, I think."
White House response and further speculation
The White House has dismissed the majority of concerns about Mr Trump's health entirely, insisting he remains in "perfect health". The administration has offered the explanation of a daily aspirin regime and excessive hand-shaking for bruising on the president's hands, however, alongside chronic venous insufficiency for the ankle swelling.
Discourse over Mr Trump's ability to continue in the high-powered and demanding post was further stoked by a new book published by two former White House correspondents earlier this year. Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan suggested the US leader purposefully tries to downplay the side effects of his age, and claimed that his hearing has deteriorated and his behaviour has become more erratic, based on over a thousand interviews.
The Express has contacted the White House for comment.
