Is Donald Trump unwell? President's face 'droops' at 9/11 memorial
Unfounded fears that Donald Trump had suffered a stroke after photos emerge.
Further questions have been raised around the health of Donald Trump after photos from a 9/11 memorial led to questions about whether he had suffered a stroke.
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On social media, commentators noted that the president's face appeared "droopy" at the public event on Thursday.
However, he returned to his normal form the same evening and looked his usual self on Friday.
Suffering a stroke is a major health concern, and other symptoms include blurry vision, confusion, feeling sick, a severe headache, and memory loss.
It appears unlikely that Mr Trump could have suffered such an episode and completed his duties that day.
A medical expert told the Express: "Having watched the full video of his appearance during the event, I think this might be some well-timed photos which have captured something that looks worse than it is."
Mr Trump has not responded to speculation, and the White House has not released a statement.
He previously responded to conspiracy theories that he had died by appearing at a press conference, where he dismissed reports of his ill-health as “fake news”.
The US president had not been for six days but returned last Tuesday to announce that the US Space Command will be moved from Colorado to Alabama.
He told the press conference that he was "very active" over the weekend, before blaming the "fake news" for the rumours that he had died or had a severe illness.
Having recently turned 79, he will become the oldest ever president in office by the end of his term in 2029 and rumours persist that he might run for a third term.
Read also: As it Happened: Trump confirms 'no deal' with Putin at press conference alongside Russian leader
Mr Trump clapped back at reporters who asked questions of his health.
“You wouldn't see [Biden] for a long time and nobody ever said there was ever anything wrong with him, and we know he wasn't in the greatest of shape,” he said.
“It’s fake news,” he added. “It’s so fake, that’s why the media has so little credibility,”
Despite vehemently denying he is unwell, rumours persist that Mr Trump might be struggling and contrast with his own declaration that he is the “healthiest president ever”.
Bruises on hands
Back in February, Mr Trump appeared with bruises on his hands while meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt claimed this was due to him shaking hands with more people than “any president in history” while others suggested it could be a sign of age.
American medics have speculated that the bruises might be senile purpura, a normal sign of aging, but could be evidence of using blood thinning medication, undisclosed anticoagulant use, or even congestive heart failure.
Swollen ankles
In July, Ms Leavitt revealed that the president has chronic venous insufficiency - which had led to the noticeable symptom of his ankles swelling.
Harvard medic Dr Jeremy Faust said: “This is a pretty normal part of aging, and especially for someone in the overweight to obese category, which is where the president has always been.
“But the bigger concern is that symptoms like this do need to be evaluated for more serious conditions, and that is what happened.”
The White House said that Mr Trump does not have deep vein thrombosis or arterial disease.
Read also: How good is Donald Trump at golf?
Evidence of cognitive decline
Studies of Mr Trump’s performance during the 2024 presidential campaign found he spoke at far fewer events than in 2016, but his speeches were longer at an average of 82 minutes compared to 45, as well as being ruder, and more rambling.
Within his speeches, the New York Times reported a 13 per cent increase in absolute terms such as “never” and a 69 per cent rise in swear words.
He swore live on television in June in talking about Israel and Iran, the first time it is thought that a president has deliberately and consciously used the word “f***” in public.
Mr Trump’s apparent willingness to use looser language and ramble has been analysed as evidence of cognitive decline, although there is nothing scientific to back this up.
Another potential senior moment was last September when he said that an audience “went crazy” at an event which was held behind closed doors.
