One of Donald Trump’s closest allies in Europe has reportedly expressed concern about the US president’s state of mind, describing it as “dangerous,” according to accounts from European diplomats.
Slovakian Prime Minister Robert Fico, who met Trump last week at Mar-a-Lago, is said to have used the word while discussing the encounter with fellow European officials, Politico reported. Five diplomats, who spoke anonymously, said Fico raised the issue during a meeting in Brussels on January 22, amid growing unease in Europe over Trump’s threats to take over Greenland.
Although Fico did not formally question Trump’s mental state in any official setting, diplomats said he appeared troubled in private conversations with other EU leaders. His comments have drawn particular attention given that he is widely regarded as one of Trump’s strongest supporters in Europe and has frequently aligned himself with the US president on controversial issues.
The White House swiftly dismissed the reports, calling them false. Anna Kelly, a spokesperson, told Politico that the claims were “absolutely total fake news from anonymous European diplomats trying to be relevant,” adding that the Mar-a-Lago meeting was “positive and productive.”
Fico’s meeting with Trump was reportedly informal but was attended by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Slovakia’s foreign minister. After the meeting, Fico publicly stated that he and Trump were in “complete agreement” that the European Union was facing a deep crisis.
Trump’s health and mental sharpness have been the subject of increased scrutiny since his return to office. Questions have been raised in recent months over episodes of apparent fatigue, visible bruising on his hand, which the White House attributed to frequent handshakes and aspirin use, and moments of verbal confusion.
At 78, Trump is the oldest president to be inaugurated. Despite this, he has repeatedly insisted he is in excellent health, at one point claiming to be “healthier than Obama.” His most recent annual physical examination, released last April, declared him fit to carry out the duties of the presidency.
While some of Trump’s public appearances, including a lengthy address to the World Economic Forum, have drawn criticism and scrutiny, the White House has defended his performance, describing it as a success on the global stage.
