President Donald Trump, during a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, appeared to struggle to stay awake, raising eyebrows after he had just asserted his mental sharpness. The incident occurred shortly after Trump mocked “Sleepy Joe” Biden and defended himself against a New York Times article suggesting a decline in his cognitive abilities during his second term.
“Trump is sharp, but they’re not sharp,” Trump reportedly said, referring to the newspaper. He also criticized reporters for what he perceived as unfair coverage of his health and stamina, stating, “You people are crazy.”
However, over the subsequent hour and a half, Trump seemed to contradict his own claims. Reports indicate he repeatedly appeared to doze off even as members of his Cabinet praised him, a scenario he once ridiculed as evidence of a president's unfitness for office. Fifteen minutes after his criticism of the health-related reporting, Trump seemed to fight to keep his eyes open as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick lauded his trade policies.
The meeting, held on December 2nd, 2025, also saw Trump address a follow-up strike on a suspected drug-carrying vessel in the Caribbean Sea from September. Other notable moments included observations of doodling and a conspicuous misspelling during the meeting.
Reactions and Implications
The incident has sparked widespread discussion and debate, with many questioning the President's health and stamina. Critics have seized on the event as further evidence of a decline, while supporters have dismissed it as a momentary lapse. The timing of the incident, following the New York Times article and Trump's own assertions, has amplified the scrutiny.
Looking Ahead
The events surrounding the Cabinet meeting will likely continue to fuel speculation about Trump's health and fitness for office. Further developments are expected to be closely monitored and reported.
- Concerns about presidential health
- Impact on political discourse
- Future public appearances