Democrats have labelled President Donald Trump the 'Commander-in-Sleep' after he appeared to nod off during an Oval Office press briefing on Thursday. The president had gathered reporters for an event on 'clean coal', but when he handed over to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, he leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes for several moments.
The official X account of the Democratic Party posted: 'The Commander-in-Sleep clocks in.' New York Governor Kathy Hochul's press office quipped: 'Sleeping is far better than listening to Lee Zeldin talk,' while California Governor Gavin Newsom's team declared: 'DOZY DON IS BACK (HE NEVER LEFT).'
The White House denied the president was asleep, with the Rapid Response account posting: 'His eyes are literally open in the clip you posted, you dumba** mouth-breathers.' The progressive account 'Headquarters' had claimed Trump 'appears to be completely passed out asleep' and referenced a similar incident on May 11. The White House had previously said he was 'blinking'.
Hunter Biden, son of former President Joe Biden, joined the mockery, posting: 'See…I told you it was a clone. They keep forgetting to charge its battery.' Dr Jonathan Reiner, cardiologist to the late Vice President Dick Cheney, said the behaviour was 'not normal' and noted a 'glaring omission' in Trump's recent physical examination regarding any sleep disorder.
Democratic Representative Ted Lieu of California claimed the president 'is not well', adding: 'He can't stay awake at important White House events and cabinet meetings.' Lieu questioned Secretary of State Marco Rubio at a House hearing, who replied: 'I've never seen him fall asleep. On the contrary, the guy doesn't sleep.' White House Physician Dr Sean Barbabella recently declared Trump in 'excellent health' with 'strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function'.
