Trump Is Seen Dozing Off at Cabinet Meeting

On December 2, 2025, during a long, televised Cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump appeared to struggle to stay awake multiple times — closing his eyes for extended periods while top officials gave their briefings.

In the analysis of video from the 2-hour, 17-minute session, observers counted at least nine separate moments in which Trump’s eyes were closed, amounting to nearly six cumulative minutes of apparent drowsiness.

Notably, this isn’t the first time in recent weeks: a similar episode occurred on November 6. At the time, questions about his stamina and focus surfaced — and now those questions are back.

What Trump Said, And What the White House Claims

Despite the visual evidence, a spokesperson for the White House asserted that Trump was “listening attentively and running the entire” meeting.

Trump himself tried to put the controversy to rest: “Right now, I think I’m sharper than I was 25 years ago,” he declared, mocking critics and referring to previous questions about his age and energy.

Press secretary remarks and reassurances about his “amazing final answer” in the post-meeting press conference were cited as proof he remained alert and engaged throughout the session.

Why It Matters: Age, Energy & the Presidency

At 79, Trump is the oldest person to serve as U.S. president. Moments like this — public, video-recorded instances of eye-closing during government business — fuel growing concerns about whether he still has the stamina required for the job.

For many citizens, allies and critics alike, this isn’t just about a nap. It’s about trust, perception, and whether the people in charge appear fully alert — especially during serious briefings about domestic and global events.

The optics also sting because Trump spent part of the same meeting mocking his predecessor, calling him “Sleepy Joe.” The reversal of roles — from mocking a prior leader for alleged low energy, to being seen fighting to stay awake — struck many as ironic — and politically potent.

Public Reaction & What Happens Next

Video of the moment quickly went viral. Media, late-night shows, and political commentators seized on the incident.

Some defenders argue it’s nothing serious: after all, long meetings can be dull, and Trump reportedly posted more than 150 times on social media the night before — perhaps explaining the fatigue.

But for others, this is emblematic of a deeper concern about presidential fitness and transparency. As critics say: if a leader looks tired in the spotlight, how can voters be confident about his alertness behind closed doors?

Expect more scrutiny, more coverage, and possibly renewed calls for regular health updates from the president — because this image isn’t disappearing soon.

You might also want to read: White House Says Trump’s MRI Scan Was “Perfect”