Donald Trump dozes off again during hush money trial, Internet jokes 'he can't handle his own reality'

MANHATTAN, NEW YORK: Former President Donald Trump appeared to doze off for the third time in a Manhattan courtroom as criminal hush money trial opening arguments started on Monday, April 22.

The reports stated Trump struggled to stay awake in the tense courtroom as opening statements were set to begin where Devid Pecker also took the stand.

Lawyer wakes up Donald Trump as he struggles to stay awake in courtroom

According to the New York Times, Donald Trump's lawyer Todd Blanche woke him up in the courtroom packed with media and the public. 

"Trump is struggling to stay awake," the publication reported from the courtroom when the opening statements were about to begin on Monday.

"His eyes were closed for a short period. He was jolted awake when Todd Blanche, his lawyer, nudged him while sliding a note in front of him," it reported. 

NBC News also said Trump’s “eyes are shut” one hour into the trial.

Before that, he mouthed "good morning" to judge Juan M Merchan.

Trump faces 34 charges for falsifying business records tied to a hush-money payment to adult actress, Stormy Daniels. 

These are Class E felonies, the lowest category of felonies in New York, and each count carries a maximum prison sentence of four years.

Trump was also reportedly sitting "motionless" as the judge explained to the jury the trial sequence.

"Remember, you have promised to be a fair juror,” the Judge reminded the panel. 

Donald Trump's previous courtroom naps 

This is the third time Trump has fallen asleep during his trial. Before this, he appeared to fall asleep twice on the first day of the trial last Monday, April 15, according to reports.

It prompted a nickname 'Sleepy Don' from the former president’s critics, reported Forbes.

During the final day of jury selection on Friday, it appeared that Trump dozed off, as reported by New York Times journalist Maggie Haberman, who noted the former president had his eyes "closed for extended periods."

How did Internet react to Donald Trump's short nap in tense courtroom?

Soon after the news about Trump struggling to stay awake during the court trial surfaced, the Internet erupted with multiple reactions. 

"At this point Trump's court naps are starting to feel like some kind of intentional defense tactic," one X user joked.

"I should have placed a bet that even the “sleepy Joe” thing was projection," wrote another. 

"He's giving it all the attention it's due," wrote one more while another said, "He's shutting down, he can't handle his own reality."

"Shame this isn’t televised!" wrote one more.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.