Trump’s health has always been under the microscope, but Thursday gave the public another clear glimpse.
The 79-year-old president appeared to rest his eyes while standing during a long Cabinet speech by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. His eyes closed for long stretches, only jolting open at times. When Zeldin finally finished, Trump quipped, “That was long,” before praising the speech as “great.”
Completely out of it. Trump sways on his feet and nearly falls asleep, while standing up. pic.twitter.com/wn9TVGsAfL
— Mike Sington (@MikeSington) February 13, 2026
Public appearances have grown more revealing in recent months. Staffers have reportedly begged Trump to keep his eyes open, particularly during lengthy events where he is expected to command attention.
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The White House claims his closed eyes are just a “listening mechanism,” but Trump has even admitted he gets bored. “The last time we had a press conference, it lasted for three hours, and some people noticed he closed his eyes,” he explained last month. “Look, it got pretty boring.”
The president’s age is showing in other ways, too.
His left hand bore dark bruising, which he blamed on bumping furniture and aspirin use. Observers have also noted swollen ankles and difficulties climbing stairs. At Thursday’s event, makeup was once again visibly caked on his hand, an attempt to conceal the ongoing physical wear.
These episodes follow a string of baffling moments on stage.
Earlier this week, during a coal celebration, Trump began, “I’m proud to officially name the undisput…” before trailing off into incoherent muttering. He then asked, “When did this come out? Mr. Speaker,” before regaining his lines to finish, “The undisputed champion of beautiful, clean coal… We have to proceed, always—don’t use the word coal, you know, it needs a PR job.”
Supporters, however, insist these incidents are nothing serious.
White House spokesperson Davis Ingle called Trump “the sharpest, most accessible, and energetic president in American history,” adding that he spent the day “cutting burdensome red tape, lowering costs, and putting the American people first.”
Critics are far from kind, painting a picture of a president who seems completely checked out during public events. Many argue he is bored and disinterested, focused only on himself and what grabs the spotlight.
He’s just bored. And disinterested. He’s probably thinking about golf. If he’s not the center of attention with all the limelight/spotlight centered on him Trump doesn’t give a shit.
— SonofaMitch (@mitchbytes) February 13, 2026
He hasn’t got a clue what’s being said. You can see it.
— Major Gowen (@SirGowen) February 13, 2026
If it’s not about him he’s not interested. Also he must have had a shot for his dementia it makes the patient sleepy
— Sylvain Petrari (@petrasy2) February 13, 2026
The picture of a man who feels “50 years younger than he is, both cognitively and physically”!🤔🙄🙄🙄
— YooperEunice (@EuniceYooper) February 13, 2026
Featured image via X screengrab
