Trump is sharp, but they are not sharp.
The US president spoke of himself in the third person when, at the start of a cabinet meeting this week, he dismissed The New York Times' reporting on his vigor.
But an hour later, he appeared to be struggling with heavy eyelids. Images of the president, who appeared to be taking short naps where he sat, were released. A video analysis by The Washington Post points to nine instances in which Trump either closed his eyes for an extended period of time or appeared to have very heavy eyelids.
Oldest to take office
It was the second time in a month that Trump seemed to have difficulty staying awake when his advisors were talking, resulting in a variety of comments.
Trump, 79, is the oldest person to take office as president of the United States. Earlier this year, photos of swollen legs and a bruise on one hand sparked speculation that something was wrong. The White House dismissed the rumors, saying the president shakes hands with many people and takes aspirin as a preventative measure.
Nowadays, Trump is reportedly putting makeup over the bruises.
In the article that the president attacked the other day, it is noted that he often compares himself to Joe Biden, who was 82 years old when he left the White House and whom Trump calls "Sleepy Joe."
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt also refers to Joe Biden when she is asked about Trump's well-being.
"Unlike the Biden White House, which covered up Joe Biden's cognitive decline and hid him from the press, President Trump and his team have been open and transparent about the President's health, which remains exceptional," a statement said.
How long days?
But during an October trip to Asia, when Trump boasted about the results of his fall health checkup, he mentioned having had an MRI. That detail was not included in the doctor's report, and it is unclear why the scan was performed, according to media reports.
The New York Times has analyzed the White House's public schedule and claims that during his second term, Trump has shortened his daily schedule, mainly by starting the days later and making fewer appearances.
Trump's staff denies this. And the evening newspaper The New York Post, which has long been close to Trump, has obtained another White House log. According to it, Trump worked 12-hour days during a period in November – in addition to weekend appearances.
"He's sharp as a knife," Leavitt told the newspaper.
