Donald Trump has again sparked health fears after "disturbing images" emerged showing him allegedly "barely able to comfortably move". Images of the US President playing golf circulated on social media over the weekend, prompting scathing remarks about his appearance and suggestions from some that he may be in decline.
Photos show Trump on the golf course
In the three images, Trump, who continues to face rumours about his physical and mental health, is shown twice walking in golf clothing and a white USA baseball cap, with a third shot showing him driving a golf cart. One X user said: "This is not the gait of a well man." Another said: "Nobody gonna talk about that left wrist and arm?" A third said: "He does not look well at all." And a fourth said: "Gosh, he looks terrible."
Criticism from commentator David Pakman
The images also caught the attention of outspoken Trump critic and political commentator David Pakman, who described them as "disgusting and dilapidated" and "disturbing", claiming the 80-year-old's "gait is laboured". He said on his YouTube channel: "Incredibly disturbing images of Donald Trump have surfaced from this weekend. I am going to argue that, as disgusting and dilapidated as these images are, and they're very disgusting. I'm warning you, if you're eating right now, this is not going to be the segment for you. These images are nothing compared to what they represent about Trump's presidency."
Recent health concerns and doctor's assessment
In recent months, Trump has faced a flurry of health claims, with observers pointing to swollen ankles, bruising on his hands, rambling speeches and occasions where he appeared to struggle to stay awake during meetings. Yet in May, his doctor, Capt Sean Barbabella, said the POTUS was in "excellent health", writing in a memo that he had "strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function". He also addressed Trump's hand bruising and weight, but insisted he was "fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State".
Speculation and AI-edited image
David conceded that you "can't diagnose Trump from photographs", but doesn't seem to be convinced. David continued: "And people notice from the images that Donald Trump appears to be having serious difficulty getting around. His posture is awkward, his gait is laboured. He seems barely able to comfortably move from the golf cart when he is trying to get to the ball, or even going back and talking to people. Now, of course, we can speculate, and we've been having to speculate for years, but we don't really need to. Is something wrong with Trump's legs? Is it Trump's weight? Is it something else?"
Separately, Trump made headlines this week after sharing a touched-up image of himself from his weekend golf trip. In what appeared to be an image manipulated using AI, Trump appeared more youthful. He captioned the post: "With the great Gary Player, today, at Bedminster!"
