Trump health concerns grow as White House defends president after public lapses

Fresh questions about US President's Donald Trump’s health and stamina have emerged after a series of public appearances in which he appeared to briefly close his eyes during meetings and events.

Trump, who turned 80 on Sunday, has faced renewed scrutiny following reports by the New York Times about his public appearances and daily schedule.

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According to the reports, senior White House officials have dismissed suggestions that Trump was dozing off during events, instead claiming he was leaning in to “better hear someone speaking”.

The scrutiny follows appearances at Oval Office meetings, White House events and a recent New York Knicks game where critics raised concerns about the president’s alertness.

White House spokesman Davis Ingle previously told the Daily Beast: “President Trump’s sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats and the legacy media intentionally covered up Joe Biden’s serious mental and physical decline from the American people.”

“President Trump is the sharpest and most accessible president in American history who is working nonstop to solve problems and deliver on his promises, and he remains in excellent health.”

The reports also noted concerns about bruising on Trump’s hands and claims that his work schedule has become increasingly unstructured, although no official medical issues have been disclosed by the White House.