Donald Trump’s appearance at a solemn Pentagon 9/11 ceremony quickly became a social media talking point. This came after many focused on his closed eyes and posture. The White House pushed back, insisting the president was listening respectfully rather than sleeping during the 25th anniversary remembrance.
Donald Trump appeared sleepy during portions of the Pentagon’s 25th anniversary service
A White House spokesman directly rejected the online claims, telling The Independent that Donald Trump was “solemnly listening and remembering” those killed on 9/11 and the first responders who died that day. Davis Ingle went further, calling anyone who claimed the president had fallen asleep a “liar.”
The response followed a wave of posts on X reacting to footage from Arlington, Virginia. Trump, 80, sat beside First Lady Melania Trump while commenters pointed to moments when his eyes appeared shut for extended stretches. Some described him as sleepy, while others bluntly accused him of nodding off. Journalist Aaron Rupar also said Trump “sounds absolutely exhausted” while sharing a clip from his speech.
The ceremony marked 25 years since the September 11 attacks, with the Pentagon honoring 184 victims. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed those gathered after officials read the victims’ names, with a bell sounding between each name. Vice President JD Vance attended the separate New York City observance at Ground Zero alongside all four living former presidents.
Trump’s latest public appearance has also reopened a line of criticism that has followed him for years. His habit of appearing to shut his eyes during events drew attention again after Pentagon footage circulated, coming shortly after similar reactions to a video from an Oval Office vaccine announcement. In that clip, people noticed Trump repeatedly closing his eyes while sitting behind the Resolute Desk.
The issue is especially awkward given Trump’s own attacks on Joe Biden. Trump frequently mocked his predecessor as “Sleepy Joe,” while members of his administration have portrayed Trump as unusually energetic and mentally capable.
