Trump's eye-closing moment during Oval Office briefing triggers internet storm

Trump, who is set to become the oldest sitting U.S. president, sparked fresh chatter on Thursday, June 4, after appearing to linger in a notably long blink during an Oval Office event announcing a billion-dollar investment in the coal industry.

After touching on familiar talking points, including windmills, the conflict with Iran, and the cost of living, Trump was settling into his seat behind the Resolute Desk when he appeared to grow increasingly weary, with his blinks becoming longer and more pronounced before giving way to extended moments with his eyes closed. Trump’s prolonged blinks came even as Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke in an animated tone beside him, leaning in and gripping the back of the president's chair.

This was the latest edition in the growing list of encounters where Trump appeared to doze off during high-profile meetings. During another event, Trump sometimes squinted his eyes, and at least one time, fully closed them as he sat between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during part of the meeting.

Secretary of State previously made a staunch denial of his apparent tendency to nod off in public as he testified before Congress. Rubio was asked if he’d been at “more than one meeting where President Trump has fallen asleep.” To which, he replied, “That’s false. That’s false. I’ve never seen him fall asleep. On the contrary, the guy doesn’t sleep, which is a big problem, because he calls me at 2 in the morning, he calls me at 5 in the morning, and you know, I like to sleep a little bit—maybe not 12 hours—but at least six... I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

As questions about Trump's apparent dozing episodes have surfaced, the White House has repeatedly countered by emphasizing his relentless schedule and commitment to working long hours. “President Trump is the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history. President Trump is working around the clock to make our country greater than ever before,” the White House noted this time.