US news sites Raw Story and Inquisitr both noted Kudlow has a history of substance abuse, and was once fired from big-time finance firm Bear Sterns in the 1990s after reportedly struggling with cocaine.

"This is not the first time that Twitter has speculated that a top surrogate for Donald Trump may have showed up drunk to an interview," Inquisitr journalist Nathan Francis wrote.

"Trump lawyer and chief television defender Rudy Giuliani frequently drew interest for his bizarre appearances while talking about the Russia investigation."

In his comments, Kudlow said he could see little risk of recession, despite a volatile week on global bond markets, and insisting the trade war with China is doing no damage to the United States.

Kudlow said trade deputies from the two countries would speak within 10 days and "if those deputies meetings pan out... we are planning to have China come to the USA" to advance negotiations over ending a trade battle that has emerged as a potential risk to global economic growth.

But even with the talks stalled for now and the threat of greater tariffs and other trade restrictions hanging over the world economy, Kudlow said on Fox News Sunday the US remained "in pretty good shape".

"There is no recession in sight," Kudlow said. "Consumers are working. Their wages are rising. They are spending and they are saving."

And speaking to CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, Democratic South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg criticized the administration for failing to deliver a deal with China.

"There is clearly no strategy for dealing with the trade war in a way that will lead to results for American farmers, or American consumers," he said.

Reuters / Newshub.