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By Benjamin Lynch
US Politics and National Affairs Reporter
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Critics of former President Donald Trump claimed he was out of breath at a rally in Iowa on Wednesday.
Video footage shows Trump pausing briefly toward end of a speech in Coralville and taking a deep breath as emotional music plays. Eventually, Trump went on to say: "We are a nation in decline," wrapping up his speech that repeatedly attacked President Joe Biden.
At the end of a monologue in which Trump praised "Iowa patriots" who are "incredible people," he stopped speaking to take a deep breath after saying "they poured their blood, sweat and a tears to make this country into the greatest nation in the history of the world." Solemn piano chords could then be heard playing from the speakers and Trump raised his eyebrows at the crowd, which began shouting messages of support.
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"Trump appears out of breath as bizarre music starts playing at his rally," wrote the Biden campaign's X, formerly Twitter, account Biden-Harris HQ. The tweet has been viewed more than 400,000 times since it was posted early on Thursday.
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Another said: "I haven't seen Trump this out of breath since he stood on the White House balcony after leaving the hospital with Covid."
A Trump supporter hit back and said Trump "was very funny [and] enthusiastic, hit all the important points and he's way ahead of crooked Joe."
Another said: "Trump made a great speech tonight in Iowa. Not too much longer, he will have a dominating victory! Save America!!"
Newsweek has reached out to a spokesperson for Trump via email for comment.
Trump, 77, has made some references to his health over the past year and in November shared a report that he said was from his physician who said his cognitive health was "exceptional." The report offered little detail but said Trump "reduced his weight through an improved diet and continued daily physical activity."
"You always have to talk about health," Trump said in an interview with the Washington Post before confirming his 2024 candidacy. "You look like you're in good health, but tomorrow, you get a letter from a doctor saying come see me again. That's not good when they use the word again."
Biden, his likely opponent in 2024, has faced repeated questions about his health and cognitive ability. In February, a report of a physical by Dr. Kevin O'Connor said "Biden remains a healthy, vigorous, 80-year-old male, who is fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency."
The Iowa speech also gave clues to some of the messaging Trump could use in his run for president in which he is expected to be the Republican candidate.
"Were you better off four years ago or are you better off today?" Trump asked the crowd.
The phrase became an important part of the framing the 1980 presidential race between Ronald Reagan and one-term President Jimmy Carter.
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