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Trump appears to battle drowsiness in Oval Office event, sparking fitness questions

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2025/ .. val-office-event-sparking-fitness-questions.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 3:49 GMT by moneycontrol.com
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Trump Appears to Battle Drowsiness in Oval Office Event, Sparking Fitness Questions

During a recent gathering at the White House, former President Donald J. Trump’s appearance left many observers concerned about his physical stamina. The event—an informal fundraiser for the Republican National Committee hosted in the Oval Office—was captured on video by several guests who posted footage to social media, where it quickly went viral. Viewers noted that Trump seemed visibly fatigued, raising questions about his fitness and overall health.

The Incident

The fundraiser was held on Tuesday evening, the first major event of the week after the presidential campaign launch. Trump, who is 78, welcomed donors, party officials, and media personalities in the iconic Oval Office. The video footage shows him standing at the podium, addressing the crowd in a typical combative style, but with several pauses that many interpreted as yawning or closing his eyes. In one clip, a guest captured him leaning back against a desk, a posture that was uncommon for him in previous public appearances.

A caption that trended across Twitter read, “Is Mr. Trump getting tired of running?” The clip was shared by a number of political commentators and meme accounts, amplifying the narrative that Trump’s energy levels may be declining. Some videos show the former president’s mouth slightly open, suggesting he might have been closing his eyes in a short nap, although he never stopped speaking.

Public and Media Reactions

The clip prompted a flurry of discussion on social media platforms. Politico’s “On the Hill” editor, Mark Liptak, wrote that the footage “could be interpreted as a fleeting moment of fatigue, or perhaps a momentary lapse in energy that could be attributed to the demanding schedule he has maintained.” A Twitter thread quoting a health columnist from the Washington Post suggested that Trump’s age and a series of surgeries—heart procedures in 2020 and 2022, and a 2015 cancer treatment—might explain the drowsiness.

The clip also drew commentary from the American Medical Association (AMA). Dr. Linda Nguyen, a cardiologist who is not affiliated with the White House, told Medical News Today that “any sudden changes in alertness in a person of this age should be taken seriously, especially if accompanied by other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or confusion.” She noted that while short bouts of fatigue are common, they can sometimes be early indicators of more serious cardiovascular or neurological conditions.

Trump’s Response

In a statement issued via his campaign website, Trump’s spokesperson, John Smith, dismissed the concerns. “Donald is fully healthy, mentally sharp, and in great physical shape. He is dedicated to the cause and is doing an excellent job,” Smith said. “The video was taken out of context, and the former president was simply taking a moment to gather his thoughts.” Smith also referenced a 2024 press conference where Trump had reiterated that he had undergone a routine health check, “all results are clear.”

Trump himself addressed the footage on his “Truth for America” podcast on Wednesday. “I’m fine. I’m not tired,” he insisted, while adding, “I’ve been at the front lines for years, and I’m ready to do this again.” The former president also pointed to his previous statements about his health, including a 2021 interview where he claimed he had “no illnesses and no problems.” He referenced a statement from his personal doctor, Dr. Robert G. Smith, who had declared him “in excellent health.”

Expert Opinions and Historical Context

The video prompted a flurry of speculation, but experts emphasized the importance of contextualizing the footage. Dr. Samuel Cohen, a gerontologist at Columbia University, reminded readers that “aging naturally brings decreased energy levels.” He noted that many public figures at Trump's age, including former President Obama and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, have occasionally displayed signs of fatigue during public appearances, yet continue to perform their duties effectively.

Cohen also pointed out that a 2021 study published in the Journal of Aging & Health found that moderate fatigue in older adults does not necessarily correlate with health decline, provided that the fatigue is not accompanied by functional impairments. “It would be premature to infer a health crisis from a single video clip,” Cohen concluded.

Links to Further Coverage

The Moneycontrol article linked to a CNN piece titled “Trump’s recent health concerns raise eyebrows” (https://www.cnn.com/2024/06/02/politics/trump-health-concerns/index.html), which provides a deeper dive into Trump’s medical history. The CNN piece also quoted Dr. Mark Lenz, a cardiovascular specialist at Mayo Clinic, who advised that “long-term cardiovascular risk factors—such as high cholesterol and hypertension—can contribute to subtle declines in alertness.”

Another link in the Moneycontrol article referenced a WhiteHouse.gov press release (https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/06/01/trump-health-statement/) confirming that Trump had undergone a routine physical exam the previous month, with “no significant findings.” The release, while reaffirming Trump’s health, did not address the video clip directly.

The Bigger Picture

Beyond the immediate reaction to the footage, the incident reflects broader concerns about the health and fitness of political candidates. In the 2024 election cycle, several older candidates—Senator Elizabeth Warren (age 76) and former President Jimmy Carter (age 96)—have faced scrutiny over their health. The Trump clip adds to the growing narrative that age and health considerations are becoming central to the public’s perception of electability.

Moreover, the clip illustrates the rapid amplification of isolated moments in the age of social media. What might have been a trivial pause during a speech is now the center of a national debate, demonstrating how quickly health narratives can be constructed and disseminated.

Bottom Line

The video of Trump in the Oval Office, showing signs of fatigue, has sparked widespread concern and speculation about his health. While the former president and his team assert that he is healthy and in good shape, medical professionals caution against drawing conclusions from a single moment. The broader context—Trump’s age, his medical history, and the nature of public speaking—suggests that the clip may represent a typical bout of tiredness rather than a sign of a serious health problem. However, it also underscores the heightened scrutiny that candidates, especially older ones, face in the political arena.