Trump’s ‘Sleepy Joe’ Jibe Comes Back To Haunt Him As ‘Sleepy Don’ Trends
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
President Donald Trump has found himself at the centre of a familiar social media debate after footage from a White House meeting appeared to show him closing his eyes and lowering his gaze for several moments, prompting critics to revive the nickname “Sleepy Don”.
The footage, recorded during an August 8 White House mining roundtable, showed Trump rubbing his head and appearing to close his eyes while another participant was speaking. The clip quickly circulated on social media, with critics drawing parallels to Trump’s long-running use of “Sleepy Joe” against former President Joe Biden.
White House Rejects Claims Of Trump Falling Asleep
The latest episode comes after similar scrutiny of Trump’s public appearances in April and June, when footage from an Oval Office briefing and a pharmaceutical meeting prompted online speculation that he had briefly dozed off or was resting his eyes.
Reports from his previous court proceedings had also described moments when Trump appeared to keep his eyes closed for extended periods.
The White House has repeatedly rejected interpretations that Trump was falling asleep, maintaining that he was blinking, listening or pausing while others spoke.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other allies have also defended Trump's stamina, pointing to his late-night work and early-morning calls.
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‘Sleepy Joe’ Jibe Comes Back To Haunt Trump
The controversy has gained particular traction because of Trump's own political history with the phrase “Sleepy Joe”. He frequently used the nickname against Biden during his presidential campaigns, portraying his Democratic rival as lacking energy and mental sharpness.
Now, critics have turned the phrase around, using “Sleepy Don” whenever footage appears to show Trump with his eyes closed during public engagements.
The latest clip has therefore become more than just another viral moment, reviving one of Trump's most recognisable political attacks and turning it back on the president himself.
