Earlier in the meeting, Trump had snapped at reporters who questioned his stamina. “You always have a new angle — ‘Is he in good health?’” he said, before mocking coverage of President Biden and praising his own press habits. He argued that the media exaggerates any quiet day in his schedule, insisting he remains sharp and active.
This scrutiny didn’t appear out of thin air. For weeks, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and other critics had urged Trump to release his MRI results. The White House eventually did so on December 1, describing the results as “perfectly normal.” Trump used that moment to declare he felt “sharper than 25 years ago,” though he also downplayed the importance of the test.
But Tuesday’s footage reignited questions. As the meeting dragged on, Trump went from restless to unfocused, at times closing his eyes for several seconds at a time — a detail that viewers replayed endlessly online.
Leavitt pointed to Trump’s fiery closing remarks as proof he was fully engaged. In the final stretch, he delivered a sharp critique of Democratic leadership in Minnesota and again accused certain migrant communities of hurting the country — rhetoric that critics described as inflammatory and unhelpful. Supporters argued the force of his comments showed he was alert. Detractors argued it was simply another long rant from a president who looked exhausted seconds earlier.
The debate has grown louder because broader questions about age and fitness now touch both major political figures. Biden has faced intense scrutiny for moments of confusion or frailty. Trump is encountering similar pressure as more footage circulates showing his energy fluctuating during extended events.
Transparency cuts both ways. Trump’s open-to-press Cabinet meetings are framed by the administration as evidence of stamina. But critics say those same cameras reveal a president who looks worn down during long sessions.
Trump, for his part, insists nothing is wrong and blames the media for exaggerating brief moments or chasing “invented” health issues. But in politics, optics usually matter more than explanations. And on Tuesday, the optics were tough: a leader who began with vigor and slowly slumped into stillness.
Whether he was truly asleep is something the White House flatly denies. But on the internet, nuance rarely survives. The meme took over, the nickname stuck, and the debate continues.
Trump says he’s as sharp as ever. His critics say the footage tells a different story. And the country, once again, is left watching every clip, every angle, and every quiet moment.
What happens next depends on whether this becomes just another viral joke — or a lasting part of the conversation about age, stamina, and leadership.
What do you think — harmless moment or something bigger? Share your thoughts