Watch: Trump appears to fight sleep during marathon Cabinet meeting

In a three-hour Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump appeared to nearly fall asleep multiple times. Cameras captured the 79-year-old president narrowing his eyes repeatedly, and at one point closing them fully, even as Cabinet members praised their performance and his leadership.

During US Secretary of State Marco Rubio's remarks, Trump closed his eyes for several seconds before leaning forward and responding to the presentation.

His tired appearance came after a busy day in the office. Hours before the meeting, Trump posted more than 160 items on Truth Social between 7 pm (local time) and midnight on Monday. He resumed posting shortly before 6 am on Tuesday.

Asked about the president's visible exhaustion, the White House sent a statement from press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who defended Trump's performance.

"President Trump was listening attentively and ran the entire three-hour marathon Cabinet meeting," Leavitt said in a statement to the Daily Mail.

"In all of these historic meetings, the President and his incredible team highlight the exhaustive list of accomplishments they have delivered on behalf of the American people to Make America Great Again," Leavitt added.

TIRED MOMENTS REIGNITE OLD QUESTIONS

Trump has previously faced scrutiny for his health. Last year he denied multiple media reports that he had dozed off during his criminal trial in New York. The New York Times wrote then that "Mr Trump appeared to nod off a few times, his mouth going slack and his head drooping onto his chest." Trump dismissed the reports.

"Contrary to the FAKE NEWS MEDIA, I don't fall asleep during the Crooked DA's Witch Hunt," he wrote in May 2024. "I simply close my beautiful blue eyes, sometimes, listen intensely, and take it ALL in!!!"

Trump, the oldest person ever elected president, has rejected recent reporting on his adjusted schedule during his second term. A New York Times story claimed the president had cut back public events and that "his battery shows signs of wear". Trump called the piece a "hit job".

"There will be a day when I run low on Energy but with a PERFECT PHYSICAL EXAM AND A COMPREHENSIVE COGNITIVE TEST it certainly is not now!" he wrote.

The focus on Trump's age and endurance has sharpened due to his frequent attacks on former President Joe Biden, whom he calls "Sleepy Joe". Last month, after photos circulated of Trump closing his eyes during an Oval Office announcement, he again targeted Biden.

"He sleeps all the time -- during the day, during the night, on the beach," Trump said, adding: "I'm not a sleeper."

On Monday, the White House also released an update on Trump's health, providing a detailed assessment of his recent medical scan. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said a recent MRI was preventive in nature and showed the 79-year-old president in excellent cardiovascular condition.

- Ends

Tune In