"Trump doesn't fall asleep"; Rubio defends U.S. president's mental health

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has strongly refuted concerns raised by Democratic lawmakers regarding President Donald Trump's mental health, calling the worries "absurd."

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I don't even know how to respond to that, other than to tell you that it is absurd and ridiculous.

During a congressional hearing, Rubio addressed clips showing Trump appearing to have his eyes closed during meetings. "I don't even know how to respond to that, other than to tell you that it is absurd and ridiculous," Rubio stated before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He asserted, "You may not like his policies, you may not like the decisions he has made. But I assure you, this is not a president who is asleep or who is cognitively impaired in any way, shape, or form."

Rubio emphasized Trump's demanding work schedule, stating, "He works inhuman hours." He added, "I speak with him at all hours of the day and night. He works inhuman hours, much more than many much younger people around him. Those are facts." Trump, who will turn 80 on June 14, has largely avoided the intense scrutiny over age and physical condition that surrounded Joe Biden during his presidency.

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You may not like his policies, you may not like the decisions he has made. But I assure you, this is not a president who is asleep or who is cognitively impaired in any way, shape, or form.

However, recent polling indicates public skepticism. A poll by The Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos revealed that 59% of respondents believe Trump lacks the mental capacity to lead the country, while 55% question his physical health for the role. Trump's physicians declared him in "excellent health" after his latest check-up but advised him to lose weight. His public schedule has been lighter in recent months compared to earlier in his term.

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He works inhuman hours, much more than many much younger people around him. Those are facts.