Fact check: Did Trump doze off during White House Cabinet meeting? Viral photo sparks controversy
Photos and video clips from Donald TrumpThe latest White House Cabinet meeting on Wednesday sparked online debate after social media users claimed the president appeared to be briefly in attendance sleep During the event.
The images, widely circulated on X, show Trump sitting with his eyes closed between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegers during part of the meeting.
However, there is currently no proven evidence that the president fell asleep, and the available footage is inconclusive.
viral images
Political commentator Aaron Rupar shared a photo of the Cabinet meeting on X, captioning the post: “Photo of Trump ‘winking’ during today’s Cabinet meeting.”
However, one comment under the post read: “The internet will turn a blink of an eye into a 48-hour thread of geopolitical and medical analysis.”
“The first photo was taken while blinking, so his eyes are closed. The other photo has his eyes open, looking down. You’re not very good at this,” another comment read.
The photos don’t clearly indicate whether Trump was sleeping, blinking or simply resting his eyes during the meeting.
Trump health concerns
Earlier this week, CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner discussed Trump’s public appearances and claimed the president may be exhibiting signs of “severe daytime sleepiness” and possible chronic insomnia.
Speaking on CNN, Reiner reportedly noted that Trump critics believed he appeared lethargic at several events, including Memorial Day commemorations and Oval Office appearances.
“Chronic insomnia is a serious condition,” Reiner said, adding that poor sleep quality in older adults can impact cognition, heart health and psychological function.
The debate comes amid public scrutiny of the 79-year-old president’s health during his second term. Trump has faced questions over visible bruises on his hands, swollen ankles and multiple visits. Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
