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Jun 24, 2026

Donald Trump sparks fresh health concerns after 'struggling' with basic task

Donald Trump sparks fresh health concerns after 'struggling' with basic task

The President sparked fresh concerns about his wellbeing after he appeared to struggle to fasten the Medal of Honor to US Army veteran Major Nicholas Dockery

Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Add as a preferred source on Google Add us as preferred source Comments By Alan Johnson, Social News Reporter 09:58, Fri, Jun 19, 2026 Updated: 10:00, Fri, Jun 19, 2026

Nicholas Dockery is awarded the Medal of Honor

US President Donald Trump bestows the Medal of Honor to retired US Army Major Nicholas Dockery in the East Room of the White House (Image: Andrew Harnik, Getty Images)

Donald Trump prompted fresh concerns about his wellbeing on Thursday (June 18) after he was observed having difficulty affixing a Medal of Honor to a distinguished U.S. Army veteran.

The President was honouring Afghanistan hero, Major Nicholas Dockery with the decoration when his troubles commenced. Trump gave the veteran a slap on the back in The White House before attempting to fasten the clasp on the medal's ribbon behind his back.

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As Major Dockery started to smile at how long the 80-year-old was taking, Trump ultimately appeared to admit defeat and secured the ribbon very firmly in a knot instead. Having finished the task, he then tugged on the veteran's shoulders - much to the entertainment of those watching in the East Room, before the pair shook hands.

A clip of the gaffe was shared to X by Aaron Rupar, with the caption: "Trump struggles to clasp the Medal of Honor to Major Nicholas Dockery - and then ties it?"

Responding to the post, which has garnered nearly five million views, one X user remarked: "He deserves another Medal of Honor for surviving that attempted strangulation."

A second person agreed: "Trump's fumbling hands were so weak and feeble that he almost choked the poor guy. That soldier definitely earned his Medal of Honor after surviving that."

A third theorised: "Trump's fine motor skills are toast. A wheelchair is forthcoming." While a fourth joked: "Maybe they should have given him one with velcro like little kids' sneakers."

And a fifth X user declared: "This is the most embarrassing thing I’ve ever seen a President do ever in the history of the country."

It's not the first time concerns have been raised for the President's health in recent months, either.

Trump has been caught on camera "struggling to walk in a straight line". Spectators have also been alarmed by the bruises on his hand and number of times the world leader has appeared to fall asleep in public.

    Despite the mishap, the ceremony otherwise seemed to go off without a hitch.

    According to the U.S. Army's official website, Major Dockery, who retired from active service in May 2026, is described as follows: "His military awards include the Medal of Honor, Silver Star Medal, Legion of Merit, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Medal with two Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters and Purple Heart with one Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster.

    "Recognizing the hidden injuries of post-traumatic stress and benefiting from alternative therapies such as art and equine therapy, he founded the Nicholas Dockery Foundation in 2025.

    "The foundation supports local art and equine therapy programs with additional funding for those struggling with mental and emotional health challenges."

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