"Sleepy Trump" Photos Sweep the Internet; White House Responds

Photos of US President Donald Trump (79), appearing to doze off during an official event in the Oval Office on Thursday, sparked a wave of interaction and controversy across social media platforms, prompting a comment from the White House.

Reactions and Controversy

• Critics' Accusations: Trump’s critics saw the widely circulated photos as an indication of "fatigue and lack of focus," amidst renewed questions about his health, given he is the oldest president in US history.

• Political Mockery: California Governor Gavin Newsom sarcastically commented on 'X': "Sleepy Trump is back," a jab referencing the past criticism Trump directed at his predecessor, Joe Biden, whom he often called "Sleepy Joe."

• Event Footage: Footage showed Trump closing his eyes, struggling to keep them open, and occasionally rubbing his face while attending an announcement on lowering the prices of obesity medication.

White House Comment

• Strong Denial: White House Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers firmly denied that the President fell asleep during the event.

• President's Readiness: Rogers confirmed that "Trump spoke at length and answered reporters' questions" during what she described as a "historic achievement."

• Media Accusation: Rogers added that the "failing liberal media continues to push misleading narratives that do not serve the American citizen," instead of focusing on the important announcement.

Health Context

• Recent Checkups: Trump recently underwent medical examinations, including an MRI, after suffering from a condition of "chronic venous insufficiency."

• Historical Comparison: Observers noted that moments of fatigue are not unique to Trump, as previous presidents, including Barack Obama, have appeared exhausted during long conferences.