As America wakes up to life under its second octogenarian president, some are concerned about how rapidly Donald Trump is ageing and what many call a decline in his capacity to govern.
Critics recently noted that his schedule appeared to have been reduced, with the US President making fewer public appearances and domestic trips than in his first term. Trump responded by asking his aides to list meetings and interviews that would not typically appear on his public calendar, reflecting what his team says are jam-packed days.
But others say his busy schedule is part of the problem, claiming the unpredictable leader is ramping up his frenzied social media activity, theatrical set-pieces and erratic foreign policy decisions to alarming levels.
Sunday’s UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) event, staged at a stadium erected on the South Lawn of the White House to coincide with Trump’s 80th birthday, is seen by many as a prime example of this.
With an Iran peace deal inching closer and Trump determined to create a lasting legacy, the world is holding its breath to see what the oldest president ever inaugurated will do in his ninth decade – and final two years in office.
