The administration accused what it called the “failing liberal media” of twisting a brief moment into a story that overshadowed a major policy victory. Dr. Oz had unveiled sweeping price cuts for GLP-1 medications — $149 a month for oral versions and $249 for injectables — calling it “the biggest step in reducing drug prices in modern history.” But the internet had already fixated on Trump’s brief lapse. Clips showing his eyes closing during Oz’s line about patients “breathing easier” went viral within minutes, spawning a flurry of memes.
Political strategists weighed in immediately. One Republican operative told Politico, anonymously, “This is exactly what Democrats were waiting for. The optics are brutal. You can’t call your opponent sleepy and then get caught nodding off in your own briefing.” Conservative commentators, meanwhile, defended Trump, saying the clip was misleading and that he simply blinked slowly for a few seconds.
The memes didn’t stop. By Monday, “#DozyDon” was trending nationwide, with comedians, late-night hosts, and rival politicians joining the fun. The White House’s attempt to redirect attention to the drug announcement fell short when, days later, a separate incident at the briefing — a pharmaceutical executive collapsing mid-meeting — produced another viral image of Trump standing behind the Resolute Desk as staff rushed to help. The man recovered, but the optics compounded the PR headache.
Inside sources described a tense mood. A West Wing aide told Axios the communications team spent days trying to suppress the “Dozy Don” narrative, focusing instead on fact sheets about the Medicare reforms. Late-night hosts had other plans: Stephen Colbert joked, “He’s not asleep — he’s just buffering.” Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders doubled down, calling the president’s stamina “unmatched” and claiming he often works on just four hours of sleep.
Trump supporters dismissed the flap, but opponents saw a symbolic moment of vulnerability. Governor Newsom reportedly plans to use the nickname in campaign ads to contrast his own energy with Trump’s. Trump himself made light of it at a Florida fundraiser, joking, “They say I was sleeping — I was just resting my eyes while saving America trillions of dollars!” Yet aides confirmed he was furious about the viral clip.
Whether it was fatigue, a fleeting moment, or a bad camera angle, the “Dozy Don” saga illustrates a harsh truth about modern politics: perception spreads faster than reality. No statement, no press release can undo the reach of a viral video once it hits social media, and for Trump, a momentary blink has already become one of the defining memes of the year.
What’s your take — harmless blink or a presidential gaffe? Share your thoughts and join the conversation below!