Photos of the US President Donald Trump appearing to close his eyes at an Oval Office event this week have gone viral on social media this weekend, with the opponents taking advantage on the footage to raise questions about Trump’s on-the-job performance, the CNN has reported.
Trump was reported to be taking part in an announcement Thursday about cutting prices for popular weight-loss drugs, speaking from behind the Resolute Desk alongside other officials.
“At moments, Trump’s eyes appeared closed, and at others he seemed to struggle to keep them open. He rubbed his eyes at points,” the CNN stated.
The scenerio from the images attracted swift criticism from Mr. Trump’s opponents.
Interestingly, the press office for California Gov. Gavin Newsom, one of the president’s top foils, reportedly posted images from the event and wrote: “DOZY DON IS BACK.”
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers argued in Trump’s defense in a statement to CNN saying, “the President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the press during this announcement which represents a historic reduction in prices for Americans on two drugs that help Americans struggling with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other conditions. This announcement by President Trump will save a significant amount of money and countless American lives, and yet the failing, liberal media want to push a garbage narrative instead of covering it.”
To his credit, Trump appears in public regularly and participates in lengthy question-and-answer sessions with reporters. Aides and Cabinet members routinely praise his stamina and describe receiving phone calls or messages from him at all hours.
According to the CNN, a day before Thursday’s event, Trump traveled to Miami for an economic speech that lasted more than an hour. He also completed a three-nation swing through Asia at the end of last month.
The medium stated that questions about Trump’s health have persisted since he took office as the oldest man ever inaugurated to the job.
The 79-year-old president said last month that he received an MRI during a physical at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center without saying why.
Over the summer, the White House announced that doctors examined Trump for swelling in his legs and diagnosed him with chronic venous insufficiency. It’s a condition in which valves inside certain veins don’t work the way they should, which can allow blood to pool or collect in the veins.
The report added that all presidents, at moments, have appeared tired in public. Even a much younger president like Barack Obama would occasionally rub fatigued eyes during long summits.
Funny enough, Trump has harshly criticized former President Joe Biden for a lack of vigor, labeling him “Sleepy Joe” in last year’s election and continuing to use the moniker. Biden, the oldest president in history, was also seen at moments closing his eyes during public events.
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