Trump’s Public Appearances Fall as Daily Schedule Shifts in Second Term

An analysis of President Donald Trump’s official calendar shows a notable reduction in public events and a later start to his daily schedule nearly a year into his second term. The 79-year-old president, who has frequently criticized his predecessor on age and stamina, has promoted an image of relentless energy — but his official schedule suggests he is cutting back on domestic appearances and starting the day later.

The review found a 39% drop in official appearances compared with the same period of his first term. Between Jan. 20 and Nov. 25 in 2017, Mr. Trump held 1,688 official events; over the same span this year he appeared at 1,029. Scheduled events now begin on average at about 12:08 p.m., compared with 10:31 a.m. in his first term, though typical end times remain just after 5 p.m.

Domestic travel has decreased, while foreign travel has risen: Mr. Trump has taken eight foreign trips so far this year compared with four during the same period of his first term. That overseas focus has drawn criticism from some supporters who say the president should be concentrating more on domestic economic issues amid slipping approval ratings.

The president publicly disputed the scheduling analysis on his Truth Social platform and attacked the reporter and the outlet behind the piece. He wrote that while “there will be a day when I run low on energy,” recent medical checks — including what he described as a “perfect physical exam” and a comprehensive cognitive test that he said he “aced” — demonstrate he remains fit.

“There will be a day when I run low on energy, it happens to everyone, but with a perfect physical exam and a comprehensive cognitive test (‘that was aced’) just recently taken, it certainly is not now!”

Concerns about the president’s stamina intensified after widely shared video showed him appearing to nod off briefly in the Oval Office during an announcement about cuts to spending on weight‑loss drugs. Critics seized on those clips as evidence of ageing; some political rivals mocked the moment.

The White House physician has reported that Mr. Trump exhibits “excellent cognitive and physical health,” and the president points to frequent interactions with reporters as a sign of alertness — he had more exchanges with the press in the first 100 days of his second term than any of his six predecessors. Still, observers note recent medical procedures, including an MRI, and public appearances showing bruised or heavily made‑up hands. His diet and exercise habits — a preference for fast food and red meat and limited regular exercise — are also cited by commentators discussing his long‑term stamina.

Age remains a political flashpoint: Mr. Trump routinely contrasts his own energy with what he portrays as his predecessor’s frailty. The article notes that if Mr. Trump completes a full second term he will be about five months older than the previous president was when he left office.