Varadkar says 'you can see the difference' in Trump's health

James Cox

Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said "you can really see the difference" in US president Donald Trump's health since their meetings, when Trump was in his early 70s.

Varadkar stepped down as taoiseach in April 2024. Since then, he has worked in a number of academic roles in the United States and published his autobiography, Speaking My Mind.

There has been a lot of focus on the health of Trump, who turned 80 last week. Despite the White House insisting Trump is in peak health, pictures of odd marks and bruises on his skin often go viral, while he appears to nod off in various meetings and public events.

In a wide-ranging interview with the Irish Independent, Varadkar discussed the fictional character he identifies with most, who he'd most like to have a pint with, and adjusting to life outside politics.

On the pint question, Trump came to mind.

Varadkar said: "I’d be curious to go for a pint with Donald Trump because he doesn't drink. I wonder would a few beers be good for him — he might mellow. I would have met him mostly during his first term when he was in his early 70s, and you can really see the difference [in his health]."

In a surprise turn, Varadkar said he identifies with Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings.

"Frodo from The Lord of the Rings. The experience of having power and authority and giving it up."

Varadkar also discussed the Garda investigation he faced over leaking a GP pay agreement, for which he was ultimately cleared of any wrongdoing.

"I was under Garda investigation, unfairly, for 18 months, which wasn’t a nice experience. I’ve been interviewed under caution from the guards and had my phone confiscated and checked. Lots of people have forgotten about that because it turned out to be unfounded, but I do know what it’s like to be interviewed by the guards. It’s not a nice experience."