Trump’s public routine shifts as age becomes harder to ignore

Trump’s public routine shifts as age becomes harder to ignore

For decades, Donald Trump has treated energy and endurance as part of his political identity, a contrast he draws often with his predecessors. But at 79, the oldest person ever elected to the US office, the daily rhythm of his second term is revealing small but unmistakable adjustments. His schedule is thinner, his public window shorter and occasional moments in front of cameras hint at the fatigue that comes with age, the New York Times reported.

A long trip abroad, then a brief lapse on camera

His staff still points to his international travel as proof of vitality — like his weeklong swing through Japan and South Korea just before Halloween, followed by a night of handing out candy at the White House. Days later, however, cameras caught him appearing to nod off during a midday Oval Office event. Those who have watched his long public career say the contrast between his relentless posting, combative news conferences and these quieter moments has become harder to ignore.

The president appears less often, and later in the day

A review of his official schedule shows a clear change. In 2017, his first year in office, Trump’s public events typically began midmorning. This year, most start after noon. He is also logging far fewer domestic appearances — down nearly 40 percent from the same stretch of his first term — though he is traveling abroad more frequently. According to those familiar with his daily routine, he still spends late mornings upstairs before coming down to the Oval Office.

Health questions linger as details remain limited

Trump has openly discussed a recent M.R.I. at Walter Reed but released only a brief letter from his physician, which offered little detail. His aides maintain he is in excellent health, pointing out that he has lost weight since 2020, when he was listed at 244 pounds. His fondness for fast food remains, and he continues to avoid structured exercise, citing a long-held belief that intense physical activity drains the body’s “energy reserve.” A bruise on the back of his hand has prompted curiosity, though aides insist it comes from aspirin and constant handshaking, and that he covers it with makeup for cameras.

A presidency lived more indoors than out

Inside the Oval Office, Trump is often seated for long stretches. Former White House medical staff note the contrast with previous presidents who built exercise directly into their day. Trump’s team argues his work schedule shows intense engagement, but his public events are now tightly clustered in the afternoon, with aides shielding more of his private time than before.

International demands and a shifting focus

Even with a lighter domestic itinerary, Trump continues to squeeze in quick overseas trips — including a whirlwind visit to Israel and Egypt — and is considering attending the Davos gathering in Switzerland. Advisers, worried about falling approval ratings and economic anxiety, are urging him to travel more across the United States ahead of the midterms.

A president thinking aloud about the afterlife

Something else has changed: his willingness to talk about mortality. Since returning to office, he has mentioned heaven repeatedly, joking about “report cards” in the afterlife and contrasting himself again with Joe Biden. For a president who spent years branding himself as indestructible, these remarks have become a subtle acknowledgment that time spares no one, not even a leader who insists he doesn’t sleep.