President Trump's Cabinet Meeting Raises Concerns Over Alertness

During a Cabinet meeting on December 2, 2025, President Donald Trump appeared to struggle with staying awake, closing his eyes for extended periods as officials provided updates on their work. This incident marked the second occurrence in less than a month where Trump seemed to nod off during a meeting. A Washington Post analysis indicated that Trump’s eyes were closed for nearly six minutes throughout the meeting, which lasted two hours and 18 minutes. This episode followed a similar situation on November 6, where he reportedly battled to keep his eyes open for approximately 20 minutes.

Washington PostNew York Times

In response to inquiries about Trump's apparent drowsiness, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the president was “listening attentively and running the entire” meeting. She highlighted Trump's engagement during a question-and-answer segment, where he delivered a lengthy critique of media coverage regarding his age and a tirade against Somali immigrants. Leavitt's comments aimed to counter the narrative suggesting that Trump was not fully alert during the meeting.

New York Times

Critics have raised concerns about the implications of Trump's apparent fatigue during official meetings, particularly given his age of 79. Observers have noted that such incidents could affect perceptions of his capability to lead effectively. The repeated nature of these occurrences has led to discussions about the challenges of aging in office and the potential impact on governance.

New York Times

While the White House maintains that Trump was engaged and attentive, video analyses from various sources suggest otherwise. The discrepancy between official statements and visual evidence has fueled debate over the president's alertness and overall fitness for duty. There are no reports indicating any medical evaluations or assessments following these incidents, leaving questions about the president's health unaddressed.

New York Times

As discussions about Trump's age and capability continue, future Cabinet meetings may be closely scrutinized for similar incidents. The administration's handling of these situations could influence public perception and political discourse leading up to the next election cycle.

New York Times

• “listening attentively and running the entire” — Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary

New York Times

• “Trump’s response during a question and answer segment at the end of the meeting, when he delivered a tirade against Somali immigrants.” — Source not specified.

New York Times