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Donald Trump sparks fresh health concerns after waving at 'nobody' following 'three-minute rule' admission about his physician
Donald Trump has prompted fresh speculation regarding his health after reports claimed his personal doctor must remain within three minutes of him.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Trump reportedly wants his physician, Dr Sean Barbarella, to stay close enough to reach him within that timeframe, with White House staff said to leave the room when the pair hold conversations, while a source described the doctor's demeanor as 'low-key and direct'.
Dr Barbarella has been responsible for issuing health updates on Trump during his second term, repeatedly insisting that the president's physical and cognitive abilities remain "excellent".
Trump prompts speculation over health
In a recent viral video on social media, Trump can be seen waving to no one as he headed towards an aircraft on his way to Kansas for a midterm election address, prompting many commenters to question the US leader's health, which comes after increased scrutiny.
The reported 'three-minute' arrangement comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump's apparent memory lapses, as well as visible bruising and swelling that have prompted questions about his wellbeing, with Dr Barbarella claiming in a recent report that the president 'demonstrates strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function'.
He added: "AI-enhanced electrocardiogram (ECG) analysis estimated his cardiac age, an established measure of cardiovascular vitality, to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age."
The physician also praised Trump's demanding schedule, claiming his workload and regular physical activity were helping maintain his overall health.
"His demanding daily schedule, including multiple high-level meetings, public engagements, and regular physical activity, continues to support his overall well-being. Cognitive and physical performance are excellent. He is fully fit to carry out all duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State."
However, the reported three-minute rule may not be particularly unusual, with Dr Jeffrey Kuhlman, who served in the White House during the administrations of Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama, has suggested that other presidents have had similar arrangements.
Further questions raised over Trump's health
Despite the assurances from Trump's physician, the president's health has remained a topic of debate in recent months, with his age and reports about his behaviour contributing to the speculation.
Trump turned 80 this year, while former White House correspondents Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan reportedly raised concerns in their book about his condition, claiming he 'seems old' and experiences 'repeated bouts of drowsiness'.
The president also attracted attention after appearing to confuse the timing of Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit, claiming Xi 'was here last week' when the Chinese leader had actually left the US almost a month earlier.
More recently, Trump made a cryptic comment about having "very severe problems" during a rambling speech at the White House last week.
As well as boasting about never being tempted by alcohol or drugs such as fentanyl, he made the unexpected admission.
"I have some very severe problems, but those are not one of them. I don't want to add them to the list. Because if I did, I guarantee I wouldn't be here right now," Trump claimed.
He then appeared to backtrack on the comment, suggesting Attorney General Todd Blanche, his former personal lawyer, might be forced to defend him if people began asking what he meant.
Trump said Blanche would 'have to try and defend me because they're going to say 'What are they?' Which I actually don't know. I was just having fun'.