Viewers watching a livestream of President Donald Trump at the Pentagon 9/11 remembrance ceremony commented that he appeared “tired,” while some accused the commander-in-chief of falling asleep. The president and first lady Melania Trump were in Arlington, Virginia, to mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Vice President JD Vance was in New York City at ground zero in Manhattan with all four living former presidents.
Political speeches are prohibited at the New York ceremonies, but Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth both spoke at the Pentagon after the names of the 184 victims of the attack were read aloud, as a bell tolled between each one. Dozens of people online commented that Trump, 80, looked “sleepy” during the ceremony as he was seen slumped in his seat beside a somber first lady. Commenters said that Trump’s eyes were closed at some points, including for extended periods during Hegseth’s speech.
The White House said the president was “solemnly listening” and remembering the victims, in a statement to The Independent. Trump, our President sits next to you this morning as we honor and mourn victims of 9/11. Please insist he gets a little more rest,” another person said.
Camera was on him for some time and he barely moved,” said another. Journalist Aaron Rupar, whose clips of the president often go viral on social media, also commented that Trump “sounds absolutely exhausted” and shared a video from the president’s speech. Anyone ridiculously claiming the President was asleep is lying,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told The Independent.
During his second term, the 80-year-old president has faced persistent scrutiny over his health, including moments where he appears to zone out and his eyes close for extended periods. Trump frequently attacked his predecessor, former President Joe Biden, by referring to him as “Sleepy Joe.” A video of Trump went viral last month during an Oval Office announcement on vaccines, where he repeatedly closed his eyes while seated behind the Resolute Desk. The White House has previously defended the president and hit out at Biden.
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