Trump's Health: Sleepy Don or Serious Crisis?!

Sleepy Don? Trump's health under fresh scrutiny

Trump's Health: Sleepy Don or Serious Crisis?!

Donald Trump, known for routinely deriding his predecessor as "Sleepy Joe" Biden, has found himself on the receiving end of the same critique. The 79-year-old former president appeared to struggle to stay awake during a recent cabinet meeting, reigniting questions about his health and fitness for office. It’s a bit of a role reversal, really, considering how frequently Trump has used Biden's age against him.

During the meeting, Trump was observed with his eyes closed repeatedly as members of his cabinet took turns praising his leadership before cameras. This incident has, predictably, reignited scrutiny of the Republican billionaire's well-being, despite previous efforts by both him and his aides to dismiss such speculation. It's a dance we've seen before, with both sides accusing the other of hiding health concerns.

The White House, unsurprisingly, vehemently denied suggestions that Trump was dozing off on Tuesday. "President Trump was listening attentively and running the entire three-hour marathon cabinet meeting," Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement to AFP on Wednesday. The statement feels a little… forceful, doesn't it? Almost like they're protesting a bit too much.

Leavitt even highlighted what she called Trump's "amazing" response at the meeting's conclusion, when he allegedly launched into a tirade against Somali immigrants. "This epic moment put an exclamation point on President Trump's ninth Cabinet meeting of his second term — all of which have been entirely open to the press for the whole world to see." That particular defense feels… odd. Is that supposed to make us feel better? It just sounds like a distraction.

Indeed, at the start of Tuesday's lengthy meeting, Trump himself had dismissed suggestions that he was running out of steam. But just minutes later, Trump could be seen closing his eyes for extended periods as cabinet members lauded the administration's achievements during his first year back in power. He even appeared to doze as Secretary of State Marco Rubio, seated beside him, described Trump as the "only leader in the world" capable of ending the war in Ukraine. You'd think *that* would keep him awake.

This incident follows a similar occurrence less than a month ago, when Trump, who turns 80 in June, appeared to close his eyes during an event in the Oval Office focused on lowering drug prices. It's worth noting that concerns about Trump's health intensified in late November after a *New York Times* article reported a significant reduction in his public appearances, domestic travel, and working hours compared to his first term. Trump, of course, denounced the article as a "hit piece."

The White House has expressed anger over what they claim is a media cover-up of Democrat Biden's health while in office. However, the health of U.S. presidents is always a matter of global concern, given the demanding nature of the job. Trump's health is, undeniably, back in the spotlight. "Tell us again how sleepy Joe is, will ya?" quipped comedian Jimmy Kimmel, echoing the sentiment of many online.

Social media users also questioned whether Trump was fatigued after a flurry of over 160 late-night and early-morning Truth Social posts between Monday and Tuesday, although it is known that staffers sometimes post messages on his behalf. Adding to the concerns, Trump has long faced criticism for a lack of transparency regarding his health. This latest incident will only amplify those concerns.