Trump's sudden absence sparks health concerns, 'most accessible' president goes silent

US President Donald Trump has maintained a relatively quiet presence over recent days despite an exceptionally packed diary earlier this month.

It is customary for American presidents to take their summer break in August whilst Congress is in recess.

In total, the president has made 15 visits to his Virginia golf course, including Saturday, plus one weekend trip to his Scottish golf course this summer, representing a more extended period away than during his first term, prompting online speculation about his wellbeing following his diagnosis announcement.

Nevertheless, President Trump, whom the White House has regularly hailed as the "most accessible" president in American history, has still managed 26 public engagements during the summer period.

Amongst Trump's August presidential duties was a marathon Cabinet meeting lasting over three hours on Tuesday, during which he addressed topics spanning urgent global conflicts to Taylor Swift's engagement, reports The Mirror US.

Over the subsequent three days, the president had no significant public events scheduled before enjoying his Labor Day holiday weekend in the nation's capital with his family, where a press pool observed him playing golf with his grandchildren, including keen golfer Kai Trump, 18, and Spencer Trump, 12.

Trump was seen sporting one of his signature outfits, featuring a white polo shirt, black trousers and a "Make America Great Again" red cap whilst playing at his Virginia golf club alongside Kai and Spencer on Saturday. The day prior, he conducted an hour-long interview with right-wing media outlet, the Daily Caller.

The White House correspondent for the outlet, Reagan Reese, described the president as "very much alive" on social media before the discussion.

Trump's recent absence from public view has fuelled online speculation about the health of the 79 year old president. This follows weeks of rumours regarding his well-being after worrying images surfaced showing his bruised limbs and swollen ankles.

Shortly afterwards, it was disclosed by the White House that the president had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, causing swelling in his leg. His bruises were attributed to "minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin," according to Trump's doctor, Dr. Sean Barbabella, who stated that the president is "remaining in excellent health."

During his first term, Trump spent periods at his golf course in Bedminster, New Jersey. However, his summer holiday during his second term has been longer, according to CNN.