The comments from the president’s top aide prompted finger-pointing in the West Wing. Some White House officials said they were not pleased with Meadows for briefing reporters anonymously about Trump’s health.

“It was of zero help to us,” said one of them, who, like others, spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal tensions.

A second official said: “We have not communicated with the public well on this.”

Several White House aides also said they also did not have confidence in what they were being told by other officials.

“I can tell you what I am hearing, but I honestly have no idea if it’s right,” said one senior administration official close to the president. “A lot of people aren’t even telling other people in the building the truth.”