In a moment that quickly gained viral attention and reignited discussions about his health, President Donald Trump appeared to struggle with staying awake during a lengthy cabinet meeting at the White House on Tuesday.
Footage shows the 79-year-old leader closing his eyes for extended periods, leaning back in his chair, and seemingly fighting off sleep while his officials showered him with praise.
The most widely shared moment occurred when Secretary of State Marco Rubio was addressing the meeting.
A Boomerang of Criticism
This daytime incident, captured by the press cameras, has backfired on a leader who has often mocked his predecessor, Joe Biden, for similar occurrences.
Despite the White House's firm denials that Trump fell asleep, the scene has sparked fresh questions about the physical condition of the oldest president to hold office.
From Taunts to Drowsy Moments
The meeting kicked off with Trump's predictable attacks on the media and his favored nickname for Biden, "Sleepy Joe." Defiantly, he declared, "I'm sharper than I was 25 years ago."
Yet, minutes later, cameras captured a contrasting image: a clearly tired president with drooping eyelids and a slumped posture.
During Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture's, presentation, Trump rocked back and forth, struggling to keep his eyes open. During Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education's, speech, he closed his eyes for five seconds, tilted his head back, and gazed at the ceiling.
Official Response: "Listening Carefully"
The White House swiftly responded. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated in a release that the president was "listening carefully and directing the entire meeting." She emphasized that Trump actively engaged at the meeting's end, launching into a tirade against Somali immigrants and criticizing the media.
Leavitt highlighted that this was "President Trump's ninth cabinet meeting in his second term, all completely open to the press." She underscored that Trump "answers questions far more frequently than his predecessor" and remains a vigorous public figure.
Presidential Fatigue: Health or Schedule?
This isn't the first time Trump has appeared to doze off in public. On November 6th, during an event in the Oval Office, he was seen with his eyes closed for several seconds, which was also explained away as merely a "visual rest."
Trump is known for his unusual habits: he sleeps just four hours a night and starts his day before dawn, tuning into Fox News and actively posting on his social media platform, Truth Social. The night before the meeting, he shared 93 posts in under an hour, with some after 11:30 pm.
According to The New York Times, close advisors have suggested easing his schedule to allow for more rest, an idea that infuriates the president. Trump views any suggestion about his health as a political attack and has so far refused to change his routine.
“Don't compare me to Biden,” he insisted, adding humorously, “I'll let you know when something's wrong. Someday it will be. But right now, I think I'm smarter than I was 25 years ago. But who the hell knows?”
Transparency Under Scrutiny
Amid the controversy, the White House released a medical letter from Dr. Sean Barbabella, stating the president "continues to enjoy excellent general health," based on cardiovascular and abdominal studies. However, several experts consulted by the media have questioned the lack of details on the types of tests conducted and their purpose.
The opacity surrounding Trump's physical condition has been a constant since his first term. In 2020, a letter from his then-doctor, Harold Bornstein, claimed Trump would be "the healthiest individual ever elected." The pattern repeats now: vague data that raises more questions than it answers.
Moreover, the viral images of the president appearing sleepy have already begun to have political repercussions. Outlets like Telecinco note, "the president falls asleep in public again and fuels rumors about his health," while social media is abuzz with parodies and comparisons to the Biden incidents he once criticized.
A Sign of Decline or Just a Slip?
The core issue isn't whether a 79-year-old occasionally nods off during a long meeting, but how often this happens and the context in which it occurs. Trump has weaponized personal attacks as a political tool and frequently mocked his rival's lapses. Now, those same images haunt him.
As Clarín pointed out, this episode "faces him with the same criticisms he launched against Joe Biden for years." Even if the presidential circle downplays the event, the video continues to circulate worldwide. It's a "silent battle against the nap" that threatens to symbolize the wear of his second term.
For now, Trump persists with his usual defiance. But the biological clock doesn’t heed speeches or slogans, and each public doze weighs more than a hundred posts on Truth Social.
Frequently Asked Questions about Trump's Health and Public Appearances
What triggered the viral discussion about Trump's health?
The viral discussion was sparked by footage of President Trump appearing to struggle with staying awake during a lengthy cabinet meeting, raising concerns about his health and physical condition.
How has the White House responded to claims that Trump fell asleep?
The White House, through Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, denied that Trump fell asleep, stating he was "listening carefully" and actively participating in the meeting.
What are President Trump's daily habits that might affect his health?
President Trump is known for sleeping only four hours a night, starting his day before dawn, watching Fox News, and being highly active on social media, which might impact his health and energy levels.