A frail figure at a recent rally opposing President Trump’s federal takeover of Washington, D.C. has reignited debate over the advanced age and declining health of many members of Congress. Eleanor Holmes Norton, Washington, D.C.’s longtime nonvoting member of Congress, is drawing new scrutiny after a troubling video surfaced showing the 88-year-old lawmaker hunched over and struggling to walk off stage at a rally this week. The clip has fueled questions not only about her health but also about her ability to lead at a time when the capital city faces its most significant federal intervention in decades.
The rally was organized by Democrats opposing President Trump’s sweeping federal takeover of Washington, D.C., a move that has brought in National Guard troops and FBI officers and cut crime nearly in half in just weeks. Norton, once known as a fiery advocate for D.C. statehood, delivered subdued remarks that drew only modest applause before letting go of the podium and appearing visibly unstable. Representative Judy Chu of California quickly began speaking to distract from the moment as an aide rushed to escort Norton from the stage.
Norton has already announced plans to run for reelection in 2026, but her increasingly frail appearance raises questions about whether she can realistically continue in office. Her muted response to Trump’s takeover has also surprised many. Apart from releasing a single statement calling the move “counterproductive” and “a historic assault on D.C. home rule,” Norton has remained largely silent. That statement, reported by Politico, reiterated her call for D.C. statehood but did little to rally opposition.
By contrast, Mayor Muriel Bowser has quietly shifted toward cooperation, signing an executive order instructing city officials to indefinitely coordinate with federal authorities. Both women seem to recognize the limited options available to local leaders in a city that lacks the protections of statehood.
A spokeswoman for Norton insisted she is “working diligently with Mayor Bowser, city officials and her colleagues discussing how to support the District’s response and prevent further federal incursions.” Still, the video of her struggling to exit the stage has sparked renewed criticism of Congress’s aging leadership. With the average House member now 57 and the average senator nearly 64, Norton’s struggles highlight a broader concern that some members are clinging to power far past their prime.
Meanwhile, President Trump has shown no signs of slowing down. Returning from the Labor Day weekend, he held a press conference to highlight his administration’s war on drug cartels. Though critics have questioned his own health after photos showed bruising on his hands, aides dismissed the concerns as side effects of chronic venous insufficiency and heavy handshaking.
The contrast between Trump’s vigor and Norton’s frailty underscores a stark reality: Washington’s battles are being fought by leaders of very different stamina levels.
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