Trump Turns 80 Amid Fresh Questions Over His Health and Energy

President Donald Trump’s behavior toward Israel and his recent public appearances have renewed questions in Jerusalem and in the United States about his fitness for office as he turns 80. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll found that nearly six in 10 Americans think his conduct has become more unpredictable and troubling.

The New York Times reported Sunday that Trump is trying to project nonstop vitality, including by setting up a mixed martial arts cage on the White House South Lawn and scheduling an overnight flight to a diplomatic summit in France immediately after his birthday. Yet critics point to moments that fuel concern, such as when he appeared to doze during a New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden, prompting team owner James Dolan to say publicly that the president was “wide awake.” This month, Trump also reportedly closed his eyes for several seconds and swayed in his chair during an Oval Office event about coal, and he disappeared from public view for nearly a week after a comprehensive medical checkup.

The White House is dismissing the concerns, saying that when Trump leans forward or closes his eyes, he is simply listening intently. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said White House doctors are among the best in the world and have published several reports showing Trump is in excellent health and fully capable of performing his duties. Internal schedules cited in the report show he sleeps only four or five hours a night, while holding many calls, unscheduled meetings and about 27 social-media posts a day, mostly about Washington construction projects.

At a Wisconsin speech, Trump delivered a rambling monologue that added to the worries, though allies say his pressure levels up his energy. Historian Julian E. Zelizer said Trump’s unconventional speaking style makes it harder to tell what is normal for him, while Steve Bannon said he “looks like he is closing the gap” with history. Tucker Carlson said the issue makes Trump uncomfortable, and former Democratic official Rahm Emanuel called for mandatory retirement ages for senior federal posts, arguing that an 80-year-old lacks the physical and mental stamina for the job. Trump’s latest medical report, by Dr. Sean P. Barbabella, said he is in excellent health but noted he gained about 6.3 kilograms; it also sparked criticism after the doctor used artificial intelligence to claim Trump’s heart age is 14 years younger than his real age. Cardiologist Dr. Eric Topol dismissed that claim as not credible in the cardiology field. The White House would not say whether Trump will change his diet or medication after the exam.