President Donald Trump drew renewed attention during a high-profile diplomatic gathering this week after footage from the event showed him sleeping. The moment, which occurred at the launch of his Board of Peace initiative in Washington, prompted fresh questions about his onstage demeanor as international leaders delivered remarks.
Donald Trump seemingly fell asleep during meeting
Videos circulated on February 19 showing President Donald Trump appearing to be sleeping during the inaugural Board of Peace meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace in Washington, D.C. Footage captured Trump with his eyes closed and head drooping as Major General Jasper Jeffers III and other dignitaries delivered remarks.
The event brought together leaders from two dozen countries to discuss the Gaza Peace Plan. The moment occurred more than two hours into the meeting as international representatives addressed the gathering. Clips showed Trump seated with his eyes shut while speakers continued their remarks.
Trump has faced prior questions about appearing drowsy at official events. Addressing a December cabinet meeting video last month, he said, “Some people said, he closed his eyes. Look, it got pretty boring.” He added, “I didn’t sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell outta here.” Trump also said, “I didn’t sleep, by the way. I don’t sleep much.”
At 79, Trump is the oldest U.S. president in office, and his health has been publicly scrutinized. The White House has said recent medical tests were preventative and showed good cardiac health, attributing bruising on his hands to aspirin taken as a precaution against cardiovascular disease.
During the Board of Peace meeting, Trump announced that nine members pledged $7 billion toward a Gaza relief package. He also said Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, and Albania agreed to deploy troops for a Gaza stabilization force, while Egypt and Jordan committed to training police, with initial deployments expected in Rafah.
