Trump displaying signs of 'wear' with shorter days and fewer public appearances: Report

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump is showing signs of 'fatigue' with shorter days and fewer public appearances, the New York Times reported after analyzing his official schedule during his second term.

This change is underlined by a 39 percent drop in Trump's total official appearances, compared to the same period in his first term, alongside a noticeable shift to a later daily start time.

NYT says Trump's official appearances dropped by 39 percent 

The report by New York Times reveal a significant reduction in the president's workload: "The number of Mr Trump's total official appearances has decreased by 39 percent."

This is based on the drop from 1,688 official events between January 20 and November 25 during his first year in office in 2017 to 1,029 official events for the same time period in his current term.

Additionally, his presidential schedule reflects a later beginning to his official events, now mostly starting after noon compared to the approximate 10:30 am starting time in his first term.

This condensed schedule means his most public appearances typically fall between noon and 5 pm.

Oldest president faces scrutiny after public fatigue incidents

At 79, Trump is the oldest person ever to serve in the office and the reduced schedule and later starts come amid increased scrutiny over his fitness for the presidency.

The New York Times remarked that when in public, Trump's "battery shows signs of wear."

One such incident occurred at an Oval Office press conference earlier this month over the price of weight-loss drugs, during which the president was "seen repeatedly closing his eyes" while seated.

He only rose to his feet when a man behind him slumped forward, prompting reporters to quickly be whisked out of the room.

The same issue of public fatigue has also been noted at other international events, including a special ceremony held in his honor by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia.

Lack of transparency surrounds president's health

The New York Times also pointed out a general continuing lack of transparency with regard to the president's health since his physicians refused to take any questions from the media and Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt would not clarify why an MRI had been necessary during his latest physical check-up.

Meanwhile, the president himself appeared uncertain about the need for a scan and told reporters on Air Force One that the MRI was “very standard” and that the doctor had assured him it was “the best result he has ever seen”.

Trump's light schedule contrasts Bush, Obama's days at office

President Trump's current schedule is markedly less demanding than those of his predecessors during their second terms.

Former President Barack Obama usually started his day around 10 am and kept a regular daily routine through 7 pm, while former President George W Bush was often in the Oval Office by 6:45 am.

Both Obama and Bush also consistently incorporated regular exercise into their routines, which Trump does not.

JD Vance claims Trump 'does not sleep' while traveling

Contrary to these signs of fatigue, the official narrative about the President's stamina remains very strong. Vice President JD Vance had previously said that Trump does not sleep while on the road, quoting staffers as saying, "If we go on a 20-hour trip somewhere, he does not sleep the entire time." 

Vance added that if the president is working, "he expects everybody else to be working too." Consistent with this idea of high-level activity, the Times report did find that President Trump is traveling internationally more often in his second term, having taken eight trips so far compared to four during his first year in office.