A video surfaced on May 25 showing former President Donald Trump apparently dozing off during a Memorial Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke, according to social media users who noted Trump’s closed eyes and apparent struggle to stay awake [1, 2]. The footage’s low quality makes it difficult to confirm if Trump was asleep or simply blinking [1].
Doctors and medical analysts weighed in on the apparent sleepiness. CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner described Trump’s daytime somnolence as "severe daytime somnolence" and a potential medical issue. He said, "He falls asleep very often. He’s fallen asleep in the Oval Office on multiple occasions with people talking to him in the cabinet room, and there was concern yesterday that he might have fallen asleep at Arlington National Cemetery during Memorial Day observances" [2].
Trump, who will turn 80 next month, underwent a three-hour preventive health exam the day after the event at Walter Reed Medical Centre [1]. The White House denied claims that Trump was asleep in the videos and said he was blinking [1, 2]. They explained visible health concerns, including bruising on his hands and swelling in his ankles, as results of handshaking and venous insufficiency, respectively [2].
Trump took to Truth Social to assert his health "checked out perfectly" after the exam [1]. He also defended his condition, saying, "I feel the same as I felt 50 years ago. I’m not a senior. I’m far younger than a s" [2]. Journalists noted Trump posted 18 times on social media between midnight and 2:45 a.m., which could contribute to daytime fatigue [2].
Trump has faced previous accusations of dozing off in public, including during a cabinet meeting last December and a security roundtable in March [1, 2]. The Memorial Day event sparked new scrutiny of his health and public alertness.
Trump’s recent health exam at Walter Reed was the most recent official update on his medical condition following the viral video and analyst commentary.
