7 Alarming Moments: Trump Appears to Doze Off During Marathon Cabinet Meeting, reigniting debates about his stamina, sleep habits, and overall health. US President Donald Trump is once again at the center of a storm—not for a policy decision or fiery speech, but for something far more unexpected: repeatedly appearing to doze off during a marathon Cabinet meeting.
The footage, now widely circulated across social media and news outlets, shows the 79-year-old president closing his eyes for extended periods, shifting restlessly, and struggling to stay alert as Cabinet members delivered lengthy praises and policy updates.
The incident, which unfolded during a more than two-hour-long meeting at the White House, has revived questions about Trump’s stamina, sleep patterns, cognitive sharpness, and the demands of the presidency—issues he often weaponized against his predecessor, Joe Biden.
In this comprehensive report, we examine what happened inside the meeting, why the moment has triggered intense debate, and how medical insights, political reactions, and past patterns offer crucial context.
7 Alarming Moments: Trump Appears to Doze Off During Marathon Cabinet Meeting
A Cabinet Meeting Overshadowed by Fatigue
The meeting began shortly after noon, with Trump immediately taking a jab at Joe Biden—calling him “Sleepy Joe,” a nickname he has used for years.
He then followed it with a bold assertion:
“I am sharper than I was 25 years ago.”
But as the cameras rolled, the president’s demeanor seemed to contradict his own claim.
The Dozing Begins
Roughly 15 minutes into the session, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick began praising Trump’s trade policies and describing the Cabinet as “the greatest ever assembled.”
As Lutnick spoke, Trump’s eyelids grew heavier. His blinks slowed. At one moment, he closed his eyes entirely and leaned slightly forward—prompting speculation that he briefly fell asleep. This pattern repeated again and again.
Repeated Episodes Caught on Camera
Video recordings show multiple instances of Trump appearing to drift into drowsiness:
- During Scott Turner’s remarks (HUD Secretary)
Trump’s head drooped, eyes narrowing. - While Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins spoke
He leaned back, eyes shut for several seconds. - As Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent delivered updates
Cameras zoomed in, capturing Trump motionless with closed eyes. - During Linda McMahon and RFK Jr.’s presentations
He appeared frozen—eyes closed for 10 to 15 seconds. - While seated next to Secretary of State Marco Rubio
Trump’s apparent dozing became even more pronounced due to the tight camera frame.
At one point, Rubio joked about the “most magical time of the year”—the College Football Playoff. Cabinet members laughed. Trump hardly reacted.
The White House: “He Was Listening Attentively”
Despite the clear visuals, the White House remained adamant that the president was not dozing off.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted:
“President Trump was listening attentively and ran the entire three-hour marathon Cabinet meeting.”
She framed the session as a testament to Trump’s stamina, saying he has held nine Cabinet meetings this year—far more than his predecessor.
She also pointed to the president’s energetic Q&A session at the end as proof of his alertness.Yet the footage tells a different story—one that has now gone viral.
A Pattern of Fatigue? Not the First Time
This was not an isolated incident.
November 6 Oval Office Briefing
On November 6, Trump spent nearly 20 minutes battling drooping eyelids during an Oval Office announcement. The Washington Post analyzed multiple camera angles and confirmed the prolonged struggle. Photos from that moment sparked the nickname: “Dozy Don.”
Previous Viral Clips in 2025
Several other clips surfaced earlier this year showing Trump closing his eyes during meetings or briefings. Supporters dismissed them as misleading camera angles. Critics argued they reflected age-related fatigue.
A President Known for Little Sleep
One factor that remains consistent is Trump’s long-standing sleep routine. The president—now 79—has repeatedly boasted that he needs only 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night. His aides and doctors have often supported this claim, arguing that Trump functions optimally on limited rest.
But experts warn that:
- Adults over 65 require 7–8 hours
- Chronic sleep deprivation affects cognition, mood, and decision-making
- Late-night posting disrupts circadian rhythms
The Late-Night Posting Spree
On the night before the Cabinet meeting, Trump posted more than 160 items on Truth Social between 7 PM and midnight. By 5:48 AM, he was posting again.
Analysts note that heavy social media use correlates with reduced sleep—and for Trump, that pattern appears increasingly pronounced.
What Medical Experts Say About the MRI and Fatigue
To counter reports of fatigue, the White House released details of Trump’s recent MRI, which was described as part of a “preventive” executive physical at Walter Reed.
According to Trump’s physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella:
- No issues with the heart
- No arterial narrowing
- No inflammation
- Abdominal organs normal
The memo insisted the president remains in “excellent cardiovascular health.” But medical experts interviewed by major outlets expressed skepticism—not about the MRI results, but about their relevance.
Dr. Jeffrey A. Linder of Northwestern University noted:
- “Executive physicals” are not standardized
- The report lacked clarity on what type of imaging was used
- MRIs do not assess fatigue or cognitive stamina
In other words, a clean MRI does not rule out sleep deprivation or age-related slowing.
Political Reactions: “Dozy Don Part Two”
The incident has fueled political criticism, especially given Trump’s long history of mocking Biden for appearing sleepy, slow, or inactive.California Governor Gavin Newsom re-upped his previous jab, calling this “Dozy Don Part Two.”
Critics argue:
- Trump set the standard in which appearing sleepy equals unfitness
- Trump repeatedly mocked Biden for closing his eyes at events
- Now Trump is facing the same optics he once weaponized
The Irony Is Not Lost on Voters
Trump famously said in 2021:
“Nobody with true enthusiasm and belief in a subject will ever fall asleep.”
Now that he has been filmed appearing to doze off—twice in one month—the remarks have resurfaced widely.
A Scientific Look: Sleep, Mood, and Performance
A 2020 study analyzing Trump’s sleep patterns and mood found:
- More late-night posting correlated with less sleep
- The next day, Trump sounded less happy
- He was 3× more likely to use angry language
- Betting markets slightly shifted against him after short-sleep nights
The study also found that Trump’s sleep became progressively shorter over his first term. With his continued late-night posting habits and increased age, experts believe the effects may be amplified now.
Supporters vs. Critics—Two Different Narratives
Supporters argue:
- Trump works harder and longer than most presidents
- He has unmatched energy despite limited sleep
- These moments show fatigue, not frailty
- The media is exaggerating to fit a narrative
Critics counter:
- Fatigue episodes are increasing
- Trump’s schedule has been scaled back this term
- Video evidence contradicts official statements
- Age and sleep deprivation are taking a clear toll
The Bigger Question: Does It Matter?
Trump’s apparent dozing has broader implications.
Optics and Public Trust
In the age of viral video, visuals shape perception far more effectively than medical memos.
Americans are:
- Seeing the president repeatedly closing his eyes
- Hearing contradictory statements from officials
- Reconciling Trump’s past attacks on Biden with his own behavior
The Demands of the Presidency
The role is physically and mentally punishing, even for younger leaders.
Trump is:
- The oldest person ever elected president
- Operating on extremely limited sleep
- Managing high-stress crises
- Running a global diplomatic schedule
Fatigue—whether due to age, sleep, or workload—is inevitable.
Final Analysis: Fatigue or Warning Sign?
There is no definitive evidence that Trump’s apparent dozing reflects a serious medical issue. Many 79-year-olds experience momentary fatigue, particularly during long, repetitive meetings.
However:
- The frequency of episodes
- The length of eye-closures
- His limited sleep schedule
- The mounting public scrutiny
- His long-standing criticism of others’ stamina
…together create a politically potent narrative. Even if medically benign, such visuals undermine the image of relentless strength that Trump has cultivated for decades.
They also set up a difficult contrast: Trump insists he’s “sharper than ever,” yet cameras repeatedly capture him struggling to stay awake. With more than a year left in his term, and political tensions high, these incidents will likely continue to fuel both concern and debate.
Conclusion
The viral footage of Donald Trump appearing to doze off during a marathon Cabinet meeting has reignited long-standing questions about his stamina, sleep habits, and overall health.
While the White House defends the president’s performance and touts a clean MRI, experts and critics argue that age, fatigue, and chronic sleep deprivation may be affecting his alertness. Whether this becomes a lasting political liability remains to be seen.
But for now, one thing is certain:
the moments captured this week have become yet another defining—and highly scrutinized—chapter in Trump’s second term.
Also Read: 7 Key Revelations from Trump’s ‘Perfectly Normal’ MRI Results
