A new video from the Oval Office has reignited debate over President Donald Trump's mental health at the age of 80 after he appeared to struggle to keep his eyes open during an event at the White House.
The footage shows moments where Trump seemed drowsy during an event attended by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and other senior officials. As officials spoke, the president was seen closing his eyes repeatedly, leaning on his chair, and seemingly waking suddenly from brief naps.
In the clips shared widely, Trump signed an executive order during the event and answered questions, but cameras also captured him looking exhausted with his eyes shut.
Adam James, a physical therapy specialist in senior care, didn't hesitate to give a harsh analysis of the scene. Known for his controversial evaluations of Trump's health, James described the president's condition in stark terms.
James stated in his analysis of the video: "It’s not just fatigue, though that plays a role. It's the brain of a man disintegrating inside his skull," a phrase leaving little room for alternative interpretation.
James went further, claiming Trump shows symptoms of dementia, specifically "sundowning syndrome," a condition causing cognitive and behavioral decline at certain times of day.
According to James, Trump's difficulty staying awake during the event is not just a sign of tiredness but indicates a deeper disorder in his sleep-wake cycle. He argued that the president's brain can no longer maintain a natural cycle of daytime alertness and nighttime sleep due to potential damage in the brain area responsible for the circadian clock.
Furthermore, James speculated that Trump might be using stimulants such as "Adderall" or "Provigil," citing the appearance of his eyes and noting that "barely any white could be seen" in some shots.