Donald Trump paused his campaign rally on Friday to reach for a glass of water and a cloth, saying he had something in his eye, a moment that reignited speculation about the 80-year-old president's health just days before the US midterm elections.
Speaking to supporters, Trump asked for a brief pause, saying: "Do you mind? I got a thing in my eye – watch this." He was visibly struggling to keep one eye open during the interruption.
President attempts to downplay the moment
Quickly seeking to defuse concern, Trump brushed off the incident with a joke: "I wish I had a little eye drops, but if I did, they'd say 'he's seriously ill, there's something wrong with him'."
While his supporters appeared unfazed and laughed off the pause, critics on social media were less forgiving. Clips of the incident on X drew sharp reactions, with one viewer writing: "Good lord! They need to get grandpa off the stage. He is losing it."
Another commenter questioned his priorities, writing: "I think I have eye drops in every pocket of every coat and jacket and in all my purses. I have pale blue eyes, so they're a necessity. Trump doesn't forget his spray tan and hairspray, but forgets something important."
Midterm stakes drive relentless schedule
Other reactions were more blunt, with one person arguing: "Oh, we know there's something wrong with him." Another said: "OMG. This man is not the comedian he thinks he is. He's seriously declining."
Despite the questions over his fitness, Trump is continuing his demanding schedule ahead of the midterms on November 3. The elections, which fall halfway through a president's four-year term, will determine control of Congress.
All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for grabs, along with roughly a third of the 100-seat Senate. The party that secures a majority gains the power to steer the legislative agenda, chair committees, and dictate the federal budget.
For Trump, losing control of Congress could be damaging for his administration, and he is pushing himself hard as voters prepare to head to the polls.
