Donald Trump is embarking on a three-day state visit to the UK today, six years after his first in 2019. The ‘unprecedented’ second visit comes at a time of great political unrest, both in the USA and in the UK.
President Donald Trump is beginning a three-day state visit to the UK today, six years after his initial trip in 2019. While attention will undoubtedly focus on his relationship with the royals and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, there will also be significant interest in his health.
Since taking office earlier this year, the POTUS has received a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency, been seen with swollen ankles, displayed bruising on his right hand that he now conceals and was even observed with a drooping mouth as recently as this month.
The White House has insisted, like the Biden administration before it, that its 79-year-old leader will complete his full term. Trump cleared his first medical examination earlier this year and was deemed fit to work from both a physical and psychological perspective.
Prior to his arrival, three doctors were asked about their assessment of Trump’s recent physiological lapses, and what this signifies for the future.
Dr Jeff Foster
Dr Jeff Foster, a private health GP and medical director of Manual, has expressed the greatest alarm regarding Trump’s wellbeing, reports the Express.
He stated that recent episodes, including Trump apparently struggling to hear during a recent appearance, suggest something serious may be developing beneath his nearly octogenarian exterior and echo the fragility Biden displayed in his closing months in office.
He elaborated: “Certainly it is fair to say that Trump has become increasingly frail in the last few months. In a similar way to how Biden appeared to be less sharp and coherent during his final years of the presidency due to underlying illness, we are starting to see a similar picture with Trump.
“His repeated small errors could easily be a sign of something more significant in his health. The recent events highlighting odd physical signs in President Trump have highlighted potential serious underlying medical problems.”
Dr Foster continued: “These include the fact he appears to not have understood comment during a recent interview, the fact he has had unusual markings on the back of his hand and then now combined with a one-sided facial droop.
“These could all just be random separate incidents but medicine tends not to work that way and most of the time conditions do tend to be linked the biggest concern in this case especially in terms of the drooping lip would be a recent cardiovascular/neurological event such as a stroke or mini stroke.
“No matter the underlying cause these are serious medical conditions that could have significant impact on the president’s ability to govern and also his general thought processes and cognition.”
Dr Foster did admit that some of these incidents may not be something medically sinister, but rather simply a consequence of someone advancing in years and ageing.
Particularly addressing Trump’s hearing difficulties, Dr Foster suggested it could be attributed to age-related hearing decline.
He continued: “In a crowded room with lots of distractions, it can be hard to focus on a single sound so he may lean in to seek clarity from her words.”
The specialist also highlighted that dementia impacts “about 5%” of Trump’s age demographic which could indicate his mental function “may not be as it was”.
He continued: “Finally, at 79, various other health problems can have an impact on our cognition and our ability to concentrate in a way we are more resilient too when we are younger. For example, just having a cough or cold can make it hard to concentrate and focus when we age.”
Dr William Shutze
Dr William Shutze, from Texas Vascular Associates, shared Dr Foster’s worried views regarding the drooping face and chronic venous insufficiency.
He stated: “I cannot comment on the photo showing President Trump’s potentially drooping face, or if he may have experienced a stroke. However, it’s important to note that a drooping face combined with vascular issues is a serious medical concern that often indicates a stroke.
“Chronic venous insufficiency is mostly just an annoying problem for people since it is a non-life-threatening issue. However, if vascular conditions like CVI are not treated properly, they have potential to develop into more serious health consequences.
“In the case that other health conditions are present and contributing to the President’s ankle swelling there could be cause for concern about his overall health.”
Alongside discussing Trump’s general wellbeing and confirmed medical conditions, Dr Shutze also put forward an alternative diagnosis. He said: “Immediate medical attention is necessary if a person suddenly experiences a facial droop or other signs of a stroke.
“Another potential cause for a drooping face is Bell’s Palsy. While not an emergency, consultation with a medical professional is recommended.”
According to the NHS, Bell’s Palsy is a “temporary weakness or lack of movement that usually affects one side of the face”. Additional symptoms can include:
- A drooping eyelid or corner of your mouth
- Drooling
- Dry mouth
- Loss of taste
- A dry or watering eye
Dr Michael Aziz
The third medical expert consulted was Dr Michael Aziz, the attending physician at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.
He took the most reserved approach when critiquing Trump’s physical condition, and offered positive comments regarding his neurological condition. Addressing the incident in which Melania needed to help Trump hear a question, he said: “The reporter voice was loud and clear, but First Lady Melania Trump had to repeat the question in his ear again and President Trump answered.
“While it appears that there was a confusion on the part of the president for a second, I do not believe President Trump has any memory or cognitive issues. His public performance shows that no issues whatsoever.
“His performance is well above any mental or neurological test that can be done at a doctor’s office. President Trump has been on top of his game and has never faltered. The only issue he had was when he said he would meet Putin in Russia versus Alaska.
“Mentally, he seems aware of latest news and recollects facts. Nothing is guaranteed in life, but he should be fine based on all the information available.”
Conclusion
Although the medical community remains split over Trump’s current and future health condition, one thing is certain – his wellbeing will continue to attract significant attention throughout his time in the UK.