Trump says 'life begins at 80' as Democrats publicly air fears that Biden's age — 79 — is affecting his leadership

• Trump said "life begins at 80" amid ongoing concerns that Biden's age will turn off 2024 voters.
• Trump, who is 76, said many people in their 80s and 90s are sharp but claimed Biden "is not one of them."

Former President Donald Trump said "life begins at 80" as President Joe Biden's advisors worry that his age, at 79, is hurting his presidency and could cost him in the next election.

Trump, who is 76, wrote on his social-media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday: "President Biden is one of the oldest 79s in History, but by and of itself, he is not an old man. There are many people in their 80s, and even 90s, that are as good and sharp as ever. Biden is not one of them, but it has little to do with his age. In actuality, life begins at 80!"

Trump's comments came after The New York Times reported that Biden officials and advisors were worried about the president's age. The Times said it spoke to more than a dozen current and former members of the Biden administration, who were unnamed in the article.

According to the report, some mentioned concerns that Biden was visibly aging and how that could turn off voters, while others talked about Biden's energy levels and aides' fears that he could fall or make a verbal gaffe.

But the interviewees also told The Times that Biden was highly engaged mentally in meetings and policy discussions, and that he pushes back on any efforts to lighten his schedule.

They also told The Times that Biden's physical energy was impressive for his age. Biden is known for regularly working out and taking bicycle trips.

The White House doctor had also declared Biden as "healthy," "vigorous" and "fit to successfully execute the duties of the Presidency" in November.

But, The Times noted, people close to Biden worry about how his age would impact his leadership if he serves another term, as he would be 86 when he finishes it.

In 2021, Biden became the oldest person in US history to be sworn in as US president. That title was previously held by Trump, who was 70 when he was sworn in.

Republicans have long sought to portray Biden as too old for the job, and as mentally and physically weak.

Issues with Trump's physical and mental abilities were also noted while he was in office, including his struggles to walk down a ramp and numerous verbal gaffes.

Both Trump and Biden have teased another run for presidency in 2024, though neither have formally announced plans.