By Enyichukwu Enemanna
President Donald Trump has become the second US leader to clock 80 while in office, after his predecessor, Joe Biden who left office at the age of 82.
Biden had in 2024 dropped his re-election bid in connection with issues around ageing and leadership, and Trump had memorably called him “Sleepy Joe,” despite being just four years younger than Biden.
Days before June 14, which marks Trump’s first day of his 80s, some lawmakers and members of the public have also raised concerns about his health.
His swollen legs, bruising on his hands and his perceived drowsiness, such as seemingly dozing off during the NBA finals on June 8 have sparked reactions from everyday Americans and media members alike.
But after a medical exam two weeks ago, the President’s doctor said he was in “excellent health”.
Experts agree that “80 isn’t what it used to be.” When it comes to aging gracefully, factors like heart health, bone density, blood pressure and memory all play important roles at 80s.
A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll conducted in April found that less than half of U.S. adults think Trump has the mental sharpness or physical health to serve effectively as president.
But the White House countered with a lengthy statement from Trump’s former White House physician, Texas Republican Rep. Ronny Jackson, saying Trump’s “stamina, focus, and strength are exceptional and on display every day
He said claims to the contrary are pure fiction.” Jackson added that polling concerns were “being propagated by the same biased, liberal, Trump-hating press that completely ignored the absolute cognitive and physical disaster that was President Biden.”
The Martial Arts
Also on Sunday, Trump marked his 80th birthday with what seemed unfathomable – a cage-fighting show on the storied South Lawn of the White House.
At the the ostentatious UFC mixed martial arts extravaganza, combatants sealed inside a wire-mesh octagon try to punch, kick, chop and pummel each other into submission.
About a mile from Trump’s birthday bash, crews pried the president’s name off the Kennedy Center after a judge ruled naming it after Trump had gone too far.
Regardless, the president will walk out of the White House and be surrounded by Cabinet leaders, top administration officials, Republican lawmakers and 4,000-plus spectators screaming themselves hoarse in a temporary arena under “ The Claw,” a spaceship-like metal arch fitted with lighting, sound equipment and large screens. Thousands more will be watching on big screens from the nearby Ellipse.
“This event is a one of one event, incredible event. I love it,” UFC chief Dana White, a close friend of the President said during a Friday night hype session at the Lincoln Memorial where pairs of fighters shoved and scuffled for the cameras.
