A viral video clip has ignited a fresh political controversy around US President Donald Trump's stamina and focus, with California Governor Gavin Newsom claiming the 79-year-old leader was seen nodding off during a crucial cabinet briefing.
The Viral Clip and White House Rebuttal
On Wednesday, Governor Newsom circulated a video excerpt from President Trump's cabinet meeting held on December 2. The footage shows Trump seated with his eyes frequently narrowed or fully shut as his Secretary of State speaks beside him about the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The official was explaining how Trump is "the only leader who can help end" the war during the apparent moment.
According to a report by People, the three-hour meeting saw several instances where the President appeared to close his eyes for seconds, including during remarks by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, before leaning forward again. The timing of the video drew extra attention because, as noted, Trump had been highly active on his Truth Social platform the night before, posting more than 160 times between 7 PM and midnight local time, and was active again before 6 AM.
History of "Sleep" Accusations and Counter-Accusations
The White House swiftly rejected any suggestion of the President dozing off. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a statement to People, asserting, "President Trump was listening attentively and running the entire three-hour marathon cabinet meeting." She redirected focus to a new administration policy line before praising his "amazing final answer" in a subsequent press conference.
This incident echoes a similar episode from last year when Trump forcefully pushed back against reports that he fell asleep during his New York criminal trial. Multiple accounts, including one from The New York Times, had described him with "his mouth going slack and his head drooping onto his chest." Trump dismissed these, writing on social media that he doesn't fall asleep but sometimes closes his "beautiful blue eyes" to listen intensely.
The irony is heightened by Trump's long-standing nickname for his predecessor and likely 2024 rival, Joe Biden: "Sleepy Joe." Just last month, Trump criticized Biden's energy levels while himself facing scrutiny over images from an Oval Office event where he was pictured with closed eyes.
The Underlying Debate on Age and Stamina
This event feeds into the ongoing public discourse about the age and fitness of leading political figures. In response to recent reporting by The New York Times on his reduced public schedule and moments where "his battery shows signs of wear," Trump has pointed to a recent "PERFECT PHYSICAL EXAM AND A COMPREHENSIVE COGNITIVE TEST" which he claims to have aced.
The visual from the cabinet meeting, therefore, transcends a mere viral moment. It has become a flashpoint in the political narrative concerning leadership vitality, with both sides using it to reinforce existing perceptions about their opponent and defend their own candidate's capacity for the demanding role of President.
