President Donald Trump became the subject of widespread online mockery on Tuesday after appearing to fall asleep during a lengthy and final Cabinet meeting of the year.
The Marathon Meeting
The meeting, which stretched for an arduous two hours and 15 minutes, saw the President ask each member of his Cabinet to boast about their accomplishments. As the session dragged on, imagery circulated showing Trump with his eyes drooping and head nodding, seemingly struggling to stay awake.
One of the final speakers was Education Secretary Linda McMahon. Observers noted that as she was winding down her remarks, the President appeared to be unconscious. Liberal journalist Aaron Rupar was among those who highlighted the moment, commenting on the apparent lapse.
Social Media Erupts with 'Dozy Don'
The footage prompted an immediate and fierce reaction across social media platforms. Users quickly coined the nickname 'Dozy Don', a clear play on the 'Sleepy Joe' epithet often used by Trump and his supporters to describe political rival Joe Biden.
The left-leaning account PatriotTakes on X (formerly Twitter) sarcastically dubbed him 'Commander in sleep'. The incident provided ample fodder for critics and meme creators, shifting the narrative about presidential stamina directly onto Trump.
A Contrast in Energy
The episode is particularly notable given Trump's frequent emphasis on vigour and energy as hallmarks of his leadership. The meeting was intended as a showcase of his administration's 'wins', yet the President's visible fatigue became the dominant takeaway for many viewers.
This incident underscores how every public moment of a presidency is scrutinised and can instantly become a viral story, shaping public perception. With the political cycle intensifying, such personal moments often transcend policy discussions, dominating the news cycle for days.