During a White House roundtable on Monday, Donald Trump struggled to stay awake as officials discussed a new aid package for U.S. farmers.
At 79, the president appeared heavy-eyed while Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins explained how billions in funding would be distributed.
The meeting was meant to showcase federal support for farmers affected by trade disputes. Rollins outlined that $11 billion would be sent to crop farmers by February, with an additional $1 billion reserved for crops not covered under the Farmer Bridge Assistance program.
As she spoke, Trump’s eyelids drooped, and his head tilted forward slightly before he snapped back awake.
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At one point, Trump interrupted Rollins, insisting, “It’s $12 billion.” She corrected him calmly, and he responded with a small grin, saying, “Ahh, very tricky.” His sudden bursts of alertness contrasted with the slow nods and blinks that marked much of the discussion.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, members of Congress, and farmers attended the roundtable. Many watched as Trump fought to stay awake, creating a noticeable tension between the seriousness of the policy discussion and his visible struggle to remain alert.
The White House dismissed questions about the incident. Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston told The Daily Beast, “The Daily Beast is a trash publication spreading lies daily about President Trump.” The statement came as videos of the dozing president were shared widely online.
Trump’s public drowsiness is not a new phenomenon. Last week, he leaned back and closed his eyes during a Cabinet meeting while aides praised him. He insisted he felt “sharper” than he had in decades. “I’ll tell you when there’s something wrong. There will be someday,” he said. “But right now, I think I am sharper than I was 25 years ago, but who the hell knows? I took my physical. I got all As, everything.”
The president also appeared to nod off during an Oval Office event last month, raising questions about his energy and focus. Being the oldest person ever inaugurated as president, Trump’s stamina is under constant public scrutiny. Monday’s roundtable added to that conversation.
Despite the focus on his alertness, Trump also emphasized the aid package. He said the funds would come from tariff revenues and highlighted the importance of helping farmers who have faced financial struggles. The announcement was intended to be the highlight of the day, but the focus quickly shifted to Trump’s struggle to stay awake.
You can watch the full moment in the video below.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
