President Donald Trump’s increasingly weathered appearances on the campaign trail are once again raising concerns about his health as the 80-year-old travels across the country in a final dash to save endangered Republicans ahead of next week’s midterms.
The concerns go far beyond a single awkward moment. In the past few weeks, Trump has appeared utterly drained at rallies, speaking in a very hoarse voice and been seen slumping in his chair at various events.
The Daily Beast reported on Tuesday that the president has held 22 rallies since the beginning of October, with 29 scheduled in total between October 1 and Election Day on November 3. The sheer amount of travel has occasionally required late-night returns to Washington and multiple events in a single day.
The campaign effort also comes as polls suggest Republicans could be facing a wipeout, including in states that Trump won by a wide margin two years ago.
With a possible impeachment, pending investigations and the prospect of being a “super lame duck” for his last two years, it is easy to see why the president hasn’t slowed the campaign.
Even Trump has admitted the campaigning is hitting him hard.
“You think it’s easy doing these little suckers?” he asked the crowd at a rally in Michigan on Sunday, referring to his recent campaign appearances.
“When God made vocal cords, he did not make them for 25 or 26 of these in a period of 10 days,” he added.
At a White House event on October 7, Trump repeatedly leaned forward and slumped in his chair as other speakers addressed the room. During recent campaign appearances, observers have also noted his drooping eyelids, strained voice and overall look of exhaustion.
On Monday, Trump returned from a Mississippi rally looking sweaty and exhausted despite temperatures having dropped into the 50s, according to the Daily Beast. Earlier, he appeared slow and sluggish as he approached the stage and threw hats into the crowd.
His public comments have also fueled speculation about his mental sharpness. During recent speeches in South Carolina and Iowa, Trump made a strange noise mid-speech, which went viral.
Dr. John Garrison analyzed the video and concluded that the president is displaying “more signs of apparent neurological decline.” The forensic psychologist pointed out that Trump’s involuntary vocalization and declining motor control could suggest dementia or seizure activity. Dr. G also noted that the president’s issues are progressing over time.
Along with his apparent mental decline, other issues include recurring bruising on Trump’s hands and swelling around his ankles, which have also attracted attention.
The White House previously attributed the bruising to frequent handshaking and aspirin use, and said he has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.
Trump’s physician said in May that he remained in “excellent health” and was fully fit to serve.