ABC's Jonathan Karl says Trump acting like he’s ‘running out of time’ amid health speculations

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump’s intense schedule, sleepless nights, and nonstop activity are fueling a new wave of speculation over whether the 79-year-old leader is pushing himself to the brink. 

The concerns resurfaced after ABC News correspondent Jonathan Karl suggested on a recent episode of 'The Daily Beast' podcast that Trump behaves like a man who “feels like he’s running out of time.”

Karl discussed the president’s routine during the episode released on November 13, describing a lifestyle that even seasoned Washington insiders struggle to comprehend.

Jonathan Karl says Trump barely sleeps and operates at full speed

Karl told host Joanna Coles that Trump’s hyperactive schedule has long baffled reporters. “He doesn’t sleep. I don’t know how he does it,” he said, recalling how the easiest time to reach Trump during the campaign was “either late at night, far later than you would ever call most other people and very early in the morning.”

“I would talk to him sometimes before seven, and he’s already up. He’s already watching television,” Karl added, emphasizing that Trump displays “constant energy, constant activity.”

Karl went further, suggesting that Trump’s behavior mirrors someone racing against the clock.

“He’s almost acting like a guy that feels like he’s running out of time,” he said. “Look, he’s 79 years old. He doesn’t really exercise. His diet isn’t exactly the model diet. At some point, all the speculation about his health will be true. I just won’t be the one speculating on it.”

Officials praise Trump’s stamina, but experts warn of risks

Despite health experts advising older adults to get seven to nine hours of sleep, administration officials routinely praise Trump’s short nights as a sign of discipline and work ethic.

National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard has described the president as “absolutely tireless,” while Vice President JD Vance said Trump “doesn’t have an off switch.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi echoed those remarks in September. “None of us can keep up with him, we always joke,” she said. “None of us know when he sleeps. He’s working all the time and it’s just constant for him.”

Even journalists covering him are affected. CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, the network’s chief White House correspondent, admitted she does “not really” sleep much because of Trump’s unpredictable schedule.

Dozing moments and medical mysteries fuel speculation

But the nonstop pace may be catching up with the president. Trump was seen struggling to stay awake during White House events in July and October, with cameras capturing moments where he appeared to nod off.

Those episodes, paired with photos of bruising on his hands, swelling in his ankles, and an unexplained MRI last month, have intensified curious questions about his physical condition.

Trump’s fondness for Diet Coke, fast food, and avoidance of structured exercise aside from weekly golf have only added to the chatter. Yet the White House insists everything is normal.

In October, presidential physician Dr Sean Barbabella, said Trump’s cardiac age “was found to be approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age” after a follow-up evaluation just six months after his annual physical.

White House pushes back hard at critics

White House spokesperson Kush Desai dismissed concerns in a fiery statement to The Daily Beast. “Wow, more baseless opining about President Trump’s health,” Desai said.

“Here are the facts: President Trump is a champion-level golfer who, after securing multiple trade and peace deals on a multi-day trip to Asia, came home to immediately greet trick-o-treaters at the White House. This level of energy and vitality is unmatched by any of the Daily Beast’s feeble interns.”