New health fears have erupted around Donald Trump after footage appeared to show Dr Mehmet Oz helping the US president as he sat down at a public event. Mr Trump, 80, was preparing to sign an executive order after speaking at the launch of America.gov in Washington on Tuesday when Oz reached towards him as he lowered himself into his seat.
Footage Sparks Online Speculation
The moment quickly spread online, with social media users questioning whether the president was having difficulty moving. However, the footage itself does not establish why Mr Oz reached out or whether Mr Trump was suffering from any medical problem. Mr Oz, a physician and administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was among officials attending the event.
The White House said America.gov was being launched as a single digital entry point for Americans seeking federal government information and services. Mr Trump also signed an executive order intended to streamline access to government services through the website.
Mixed Reactions on Social Media
The footage nevertheless prompted a fresh wave of speculation about the president's health, with some X users suggesting possible problems involving his right leg. Others claimed without evidence that he could be wearing a brace or had suffered an injury such as a torn ACL. One post simply called for the 25th Amendment to be invoked.
The 25th Amendment provides a constitutional mechanism for dealing with a president who is unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office. There is no evidence in the footage that Trump suffered an injury or was unable to carry out his duties.
White House Response
The Daily Beast reported that the latest footage prompted online users to mock Mr Trump and speculate about his health. The White House hit back at the publication when asked for comment. Spokesperson Davis Ingle accused The Daily Beast of publishing "baseless and deranged conspiracy theories" about the president and his administration.
Reaction to the clip was mixed. US political strategist Kelsie Taggart said: "Trump looks so uncomfy here, even after Dr. Oz helps him sit." An X user replying to Ms Taggart's post said: "His right leg has a brace on it. You can see how it slides out as he sits, then drags it over to sit."
However, others were more sceptical. One, posting on Reddit, said: "Didn’t he just push his chair in? That would happen with anyone. This is a reach haha." Similarly another added: "This is ridiculous, he just moved the chair, anyone would do that to anyone else in this situation."
Recent Medical Examination
The latest incident comes after months of scrutiny of the president's physical condition. Mr Trump underwent a medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in May, his third known check-up since returning to the White House.
In a memorandum released by the White House physician, Navy Captain Sean Barbabella said Mr Trump remained in "excellent health" and was "fully fit" to serve. The examination involved 22 specialists and included cardiovascular, neurological and other assessments. The report also acknowledged mild swelling in Mr Trump's lower legs and bruising on his hands. The leg swelling was linked to chronic venous insufficiency, while the bruising was attributed to frequent handshaking and aspirin use.
Oz defended the results of the examination in June, describing the president's health assessment as "spectacular". He said the examination had been routine and dismissed questions surrounding Mr Trump's condition.
The latest footage has also revived attention around another recent video involving Mr Trump. A clip shared by French President Emmanuel Macron showed the president using a throw cushion beneath himself as he sat on a sofa during a meeting. Trump told Macron he was "good" before sitting down.
