Donald Trump, the President of the United States, has addressed why he has often been seen with his eyes closed—resembling someone asleep—during recent cabinet meetings. This behavior has fueled speculation regarding his physical and mental health.
Rather than attributing it to fatigue or drowsiness, Trump blames the boredom these meetings cause him.
“They’re incredibly dull,” he remarked, maintaining his typical provocative tone, in an interview published by New York Magazine on Monday.
This revelation is part of a comprehensive report released by the magazine on the same day, which delves into the growing concerns about the 79-year-old president’s health, especially after bruises appeared on his hands and instances in public where he seemed drowsy.
“I Close My Eyes, But I Hear Everything”
During the interview, Trump elaborated on how he handles these lengthy sessions with his team.
“I go around the room, and there are 28 people. The last time was three and a half hours. I have to lean back and listen, and I move my hand so people know I’m paying attention,” he stated, blending honesty with disdain for the institutional ritual.
“I hear every word and can’t wait to get out of there,” he added.
Addressing the criticism accusing him of falling asleep during official functions, the president insisted that closing his eyes doesn’t mean he’s disconnected from the discussion.
“I hear every word,” he emphasized.
Health Under Scrutiny: Medical Reports and Makeup
Although Trump claims he feels “the same as 40 years ago,” his physical condition has been under scrutiny since his return to power a year ago.
The visible bruising on his hands, in particular, has sparked suspicion. The president himself recently attributed one bruise to an accidental bump during his participation at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
The White House, on the other hand, has stated that these are due to frequent handshakes.
In an effort to dispel doubts, a medical report was released last summer revealing that Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults. Nevertheless, the document concluded that the president enjoys “excellent health.”
Legal Threats Against the Press
Beyond the medical content, one of the interview’s most tense moments occurred when Trump issued a direct warning to the journalist present: “If you’re going to write a bad story about my health, I’m going to sue New York Magazine.”
Though delivered informally, the threat was unmistakable.
“There will come a time when you can write that story, maybe in two, three, five years... and no one will care, I guess. Go ahead, sit down,” he added.
Such comments are not new. The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, has also resorted to similar threats. Recently, The New York Times revealed an audio recording where Leavitt warned a CBS News team that the president would sue if his interview with Tony Dokoupil was edited: “He said, ‘Make sure you don’t cut the tape, make sure the interview comes out complete. If you don’t publish it fully, we will sue you.’”
While some present interpreted the comments as a joke, the line between warning and threat seems unclear, especially given Trump’s legal history with the press.
The “Superhuman President”: The Official Narrative
From the White House, the communication strategy revolves around highlighting Trump’s physical endurance and executive capacity. The New York Magazine article includes testimonials from his team members reinforcing this narrative. Eric Trump, his son, and several officials emphasize his boundless energy and dedication.
Steven Cheung, the communications director, told Fox News Digital, “In just one year, he has achieved what most presidents accomplish in their entire term.” He added, “Any media outlet that tries to invent lies about President Trump should be prepared for a solid lawsuit.”
In the same vein, during the interview, Trump turned to his doctors for real-time confirmation: “Do I have perfect health?” he asked. “Your health is excellent, sir,” responded Dr. James Jones, one of the medical officers present.
Trump's Health and Cabinet Meetings: Common Questions
Why does Trump close his eyes during meetings?
Trump attributes closing his eyes to the boredom he feels during cabinet meetings, not to tiredness or sleepiness.
What health concerns have been raised about Trump?
Concerns about Trump's health include visible bruises on his hands and public appearances where he seemed drowsy. However, a medical report concluded he has excellent health.
How has Trump responded to media scrutiny about his health?
Trump has threatened legal action against media outlets that publish negative stories about his health, emphasizing that he feels as healthy as he did 40 years ago.