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White House Dismisses Trump’s 17-Second Blink, Calls Lieu Loser

5/12/2026

40 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

White House rapid-response X account dismissed the video of President Donald Trump’s closed eyes as a “blink.”
Rep. Ted Lieu posted a video showing Trump’s eyes closed for 17 seconds, prompting Communications Director Steven Cheung to call Lieu a “loser” and cite “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Daily Beast analysis noted Trump’s nocturnal social-media activity left him with only five full nights of sleep in April, raising fitness concerns.

History

Historical Context

In 1998 the House voted 228-206 to impeach President Bill Clinton, the first presidential impeachment since Andrew Johnson in 1868, and the Senate acquitted him in February 1999. That episode showed how broadcast images can steer public opinion, a pattern echoed today as Rep. Ted Lieu’s 17-second clip of President Donald Trump’s closed eyes fuels partisan attacks.

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Story summary

White House rapid-response X account dismissed the video of President Donald Trump’s closed eyes as a “blink.”
Rep. Ted Lieu posted a video showing Trump’s eyes closed for 17 seconds, prompting Communications Director Steven Cheung to call Lieu a “loser” and cite “Trump Derangement Syndrome.”
Daily Beast analysis noted Trump’s nocturnal social-media activity left him with only five full nights of sleep in April, raising fitness concerns.

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