Former President Donald Trump’s apparent drowsiness during a cabinet meeting has ignited fresh concerns about the 79-year-old leader’s physical condition and stamina. Video footage from Tuesday’s three-hour gathering showed the Republican billionaire repeatedly closing his eyes for extended periods while cabinet members delivered glowing tributes to his leadership.
The incident has created an ironic twist for Trump, who frequently derided his predecessor Joe Biden as ‘Sleepy Joe’ during the 2024 campaign. The White House immediately pushed back against suggestions of napping, with Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisting Trump remained ‘listening attentively’ throughout the marathon session and highlighting his ‘amazing’ response about Somali immigrants at the meeting’s conclusion.
Trump himself preemptively addressed health concerns at the meeting’s outset, telling reporters: ‘I’ll let you know when there’s something wrong. There’ll be some day that’s going to happen to all of us. But right now I think I’m sharper than I was 25 years ago.’ He referenced acing cognitive tests while dismissing health questions as media fabrication.
This marks at least the second recent instance where Trump appeared to doze during official functions, following a similar incident during an Oval Office drug pricing event last month. The scrutiny intensified after a New York Times report noted Trump has significantly reduced his public events, domestic travel, and working hours compared to his first term.
The White House has responded aggressively to health inquiries, with Leavitt presenting what she characterized as previous Times articles downplaying concerns about Biden’s health. This reflects ongoing frustration within Trump’s circle over what they perceive as unequal media treatment regarding presidential fitness.
Despite official assurances, the episode has generated widespread discussion about presidential health transparency and the demanding nature of the office for septuagenarian leaders. Trump’s physician recently stated that a preventive MRI scan showed ‘excellent’ cardiovascular health, though questions remain about the thoroughness of these disclosures.