As Trump turns 80, what's it really like to work as an octogenarian?
As President Donald Trump celebrates his birthday, we ask people who have worked into their 80s themselves about what it takes to keep going.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"The job was really not pleasing me anymore."
— Arthur Rose , Academic
"Working has kept me young, vigorous, energetic, knowledgeable, fun."
— Harriet Newman Cohen , Celebrity
"showed a series of videos which appeared to show the commander-in-chief dozing off in meetings."
— Ted Lieu , Politician
"the guy doesn't sleep, which is a big problem."
— Marco Rubio , Politician
"They want to see this anti-elite, anti-upper-crust, anti-upper-class event."
— Gwenda Blair , Academic
"I didn’t have anything against drugs, generally, but marijuana every now and then helps him out."
— Derrick Lewis , Athlete
"What’s happening at the White House is embarrassing as hell."
— Malcolm Kenyatta , Politician
"I don’t like it because I think they should be fighting indoors, always."
— Joe Rogan , Influencer
"Donald Trump has made a disgrace of America."
— Ed Krassenstein , Influencer
"It’s vulgar, it’s violent, it’s commercial, it’s grandiose, it’s tacky, and it dishonors a place once thought worthy of care and respect."
— Bill Kristol , Activist
"President Trump’s sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast to what we saw during the last administration when Democrats and the legacy media intentionally covered up Joe Biden’s serious mental and physical decline from the American people."
— Davis Ingle , Politician
"The American people have never had a president as transparent as President Trump, who shares his thoughts with them in real time on all the important issues of the day."
— Olivia Wales , Executive
"You don’t have to wish me a happy birthday, because I’m not happy about that birthday."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"can hear the clock ticking."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"He’s really uncomfortable with it."
— Tucker Carlson , Celebrity
"I don’t like it because I think they should be fighting indoors, always."
— Joe Rogan , Influencer
"the emperor holding gladiator games"
— Bill Maher , Celebrity
"Dear Comrade Trump: On this, the occasion of your 80th birthday, I write to extend my sincere thanks for all the work you have done."
— Cory Doctorow , Activist
"I couldn’t let myself think about that."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"There’s a feeling when you hear someone is 80 that they are incapacitated."
— Douglas Brinkley , Academic
"Peace for the world."
— Donald Trump , Politician
Key People
Arthur Rose is a retired internist who practiced medicine for over 65 years.
Bill Kristol is a conservative political analyst and commentator.
Bill Maher is a comedian and political commentator known for his satirical approach.
Chuck Grassley is the Republican chair of the US Senate judiciary committee.
Cory Doctorow is a journalist, author, and internet activist known for his writings on technology and digital rights.
Dana White is the president of the UFC and chief of Zuffa Boxing.
Davis Ingle is a White House spokesman.
UFC fighter recognized for his clean drug tests.
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Douglas Brinkley is a presidential historian and professor known for his insights on American history and politics.
Dr. Mehmet Oz is a television personality and former Republican candidate.
Ed Krassenstein is a political commentator and social media influencer.
Gary Player is a retired professional golfer known for his success in the sport.
Biographer of Donald Trump.
Harriet Newman Cohen is a 93-year-old matrimonial lawyer known for representing high-profile clients.
Current U.S. President who has criticized Netanyahu's actions.
Joe Rogan is a popular podcast host known for discussing a wide range of topics, including politics.
John Jackson is an American veteran and public commenter.
EPA Administrator under Donald Trump.
Malcolm Kenyatta is a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
U.S. Secretary of State.
Olivia Wales is a White House spokeswoman.
Piers Morgan is a journalist and television presenter who gained fame as a judge on 'America's Got Talent' and for his interview with Donald Trump.
Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.
Ted Lieu is a Democratic U.S. Representative from California.
Tucker Carlson is a political commentator and former host of a primetime news show.
Tags
All Coverage
As President Donald Trump celebrates his birthday, we ask people who have worked into their 80s themselves about what it takes to keep going.
President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a UFC cage-fighting event on the White House South Lawn, amidst ongoing political challenges and global tensions.
President Trump is set to host a UFC event on the White House South Lawn to mark his 80th birthday, featuring seven fights under the 'Freedom 250' banner.
President Trump's UFC-themed event at the White House faced intense criticism for its perceived lack of dignity and respect for the historical setting.
The White House addressed concerns over President Trump's public behavior and health as he celebrated his 80th birthday.
An article reflecting on President Trump's 80th birthday and the public's attention to his milestone.
In an interview marking Donald Trump's 80th birthday, Tucker Carlson revealed that Trump is uncomfortable discussing his age, often deflecting by referencing elderly individuals he admires.
As President Donald Trump turns 80, various public figures, including Greta Thunberg and Piers Morgan, extend their birthday wishes, reflecting on his unique position in American politics.
As President Donald Trump turns 80, he aims to project strength amid mounting political challenges, including a $60 million UFC showcase on the White House South Lawn.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Trump heralds Iran deal but questions - and risks - remain
The announcement of an Iran deal was a welcome birthday gift for the president – but its success or failure may hinge on the details.
June 15, 2026 at 02:41 AMThunderstorms threaten Trump's UFC cage fight on the White House lawn
Thousands are expected at the mixed martial arts fight, which coincides with Trump's 80th birthday.
June 15, 2026 at 12:46 AMAs more US business owners retire many are selling up to their staff
Some six million bosses of American firms will be entering retirement between now and 2035.
June 14, 2026 at 11:26 PMIn Trump's shadow, Vance becomes face of Iran deal
His fierce defence of the Iran plan amid mounting criticism comes as speculation intensifies about a possible 2028 presidential run.
June 19, 2026 at 04:12 AMRussia's Putin sends birthday greetings to 'bright, remarkable' Trump - Reuters
Russia's Putin sends birthday greetings to 'bright, remarkable' Trump Reuters
June 14, 2026 at 06:59 PMWhy the US economy keeps defying the odds
Why has the American economy continued to outperform so many of its peers, despite facing the same global shocks?
June 14, 2026 at 05:14 AM