The president of the United States, Donald Trump, turns 80 this Sunday, boasting of enjoying excellent health, although he faces more and more questions from the opposition about his abilities, while a majority of Americans view his ability to hold office with skepticism.

Last year, the Republican became the oldest American president to take office and will be the second president in the country's history to reach 80 years of age, after his predecessor, Joe Biden (2017-2021), whom he repeatedly criticized for his cognitive state.

"Biden was losing strength as his presidency progressed. In my opinion, both Biden and Trump were too old to be elected presidents of a superpower," political analyst Larry Sabato explains to EFE.

Trump, former real estate magnate and television personality, has decided to celebrate his eight decades in style, with an evening of UFC mixed martial arts at the White House.

He does so while maintaining a busy agenda, with negotiations to end the war in Iran and a trip to France for the G7 summit.

The president takes advantage of his activity and his frequent appearances before the press to project energy and claims to feel just as good as he did 50 years ago.

However, his critics, especially among Democrats, have raised alarms over the appearance of bruises on his hands, swollen ankles and occasional bouts of drowsiness at public events.

Jay Olshansky, an expert on aging and presidential health, explains to EFE that only 15% of 80-year-olds maintain cognitive abilities typical of individuals decades younger.

“Excellent” health?

According to the latest White House medical report, after a review in May, Trump, 1.9 meters tall and 108 kilos, is in “excellent health” and is “fully fit” to serve as commander in chief.

The report attributes the bruising to aspirin use and constant handshakes, and notes that the swelling in his ankles has improved compared to last year, when he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency.

Despite this, 55% of Americans consider that their age and their physical and mental state are not suitable for the position, according to a survey analysis released by CNN.

Comparisons with Biden

Trump thus faces increasing scrutiny over his health after having turned this issue into a political weapon against Biden, whom he often nicknames “Sleepy Joe.”

For his part, Seth Masket, professor of Political Science at the University of Denver, considers the differences in the treatment received by both leaders “surprising.”

"Trump has a speech full of absurd and false statements and frequently falls asleep. But no major Republican leader has asked him to resign for health reasons," he concludes.