Donald Trump has sparked fresh health concerns after being photographed with a crescent-shaped mark on his left hand at the G7 summit in France. The US president, who turned 80 on Sunday, was seen with the mark while meeting other world leaders, prompting renewed scrutiny of his physical wellbeing.
Speculation over Trump's health previously centred on bruising on his right hand, which the White House attributed to a side effect of his daily aspirin use. His swollen ankles have been linked to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where leg veins struggle to return blood to the heart. Critics have also questioned his mental fitness after instances of falling asleep in public and memory lapses.
A physical therapist claimed Trump displayed 'stroke-like' symptoms after mumbling during a televised Oval Office event. However, the White House and his medical team insist he is in 'perfect' health. His physician, Sean Barbabella, stated that Trump 'remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function'.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt added that 'White House doctors are among the most elite physicians in the world' and have confirmed Trump is 'fully fit to carry out all duties of commander in chief'. Despite these assurances, prominent Democrat Rahm Emanuel told the New York Times that 'somebody at 80 years old just doesn't have the physical stamina, the mental stamina for that office'.
Trump himself commented on his milestone birthday, hinting at mixed feelings. 'You don't have to wish me a happy birthday, because I'm not happy about that birthday,' he said in a video. 'It's a number that I never thought really too much about. It's not a number I like, but I'm here nonetheless.'
