Fact Check: Did Trump fall asleep during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pentagon?

WASHINGTON, DC: Social media users are mocking President Donald Trump after a video appeared to show him falling asleep during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at the Pentagon. 

The footage quickly spread online, with users claiming Trump dozed off during the solemn event. The incident has sparked debate over whether the video actually shows Trump sleeping during the ceremony.

Claim: Trump dozed off during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pentagon

Viewers watching a livestream of President Donald Trump at the Pentagon’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony said he appeared “tired,” while some accused him of falling asleep.

Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were in Arlington, Virginia, to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Vice President JD Vance attended the ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan with all four living former presidents.

Political speeches are prohibited at the New York ceremonies. However, Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke at the Pentagon after officials read the names of the 184 victims of the attack, with a bell tolling after each name.

Dozens of people online said Trump, 80, looked “sleepy” during the ceremony. Footage showed him slumped in his seat beside a somber first lady. Some viewers also pointed out that Trump’s eyes appeared closed at times, including for extended periods while Hegseth spoke.

One user wrote, "There is no way you can tell me that this guy is fit to be President. During the reading of the 9/11 victims"

Another commenter wrote, "Joe Biden — 83, stage 4 cancer, spread to his bones — stood for hours today as 9/11 victims' names were read. Trump fell asleep at his own ceremony. One showed up in pain and stood anyway. The other couldn't stay awake."

Fact Check: False, White House denied the claim

The claim is false. The White House denied that Donald Trump fell asleep during the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks at the Pentagon.

A White House spokesperson said, "President Trump was solemnly listening and remembering the victims and heroic first responders who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day. Anyone ridiculously claiming the President was asleep is lying."

Trump did not attend the larger 9/11 ceremony in New York City on Friday, September 11. The New York Times reported that he refused to attend if he could not give a speech. However, he spoke at the Pentagon ceremony.

Trump said, “We will never, ever forget.” He added, “That’s why we fight today. We don’t have a choice.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice also spoke at the Pentagon event. Every living former president attended the New York ceremony, along with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Vice President JD Vance.