A new twist in the White House narrative as President Trump admits Cabinet meetings are “boring as hell,” sparking intrigue and scrutiny.
Story Snapshot
- President Trump admits to closing his eyes during lengthy Cabinet meetings.
- White House initially denied that Trump was asleep, claiming he was listening attentively.
- Videos have previously shown Trump appearing drowsy during official events.
- Trump’s health remains a topic of public and media discussion.
Trump’s Admission on Eye-Closing
President Trump, in a recent New York magazine interview, candidly admitted to closing his eyes during Cabinet meetings, which he described as “boring as hell.”
This marks a significant shift from earlier White House denials, which insisted that Trump was merely “listening attentively” during the lengthy sessions. The meetings frequently stretch to over three hours, prompting speculation about Trump’s alertness.
Trump on closing his eyes during Cabinet meetings: ‘Boring as hell’https://t.co/qOcOKDvFEZ
— The Hill (@thehill) January 26, 2026
Trump’s acknowledgment directly addresses months of public and media speculation about his apparent drowsiness during official events, dating back to incidents in November and December 2025.
Videos showed Trump struggling to keep his eyes open during several White House events, leading to questions about his health and engagement.
Media and Public Reactions
The media reacted swiftly to Trump’s admission, highlighting the contrast with his previous campaign criticisms of President Biden, whom Trump nicknamed “Sleepy Joe.”
During the 2024 campaign, Trump famously criticized Biden’s apparent fatigue, making his current situation particularly noteworthy. Media outlets like The Washington Post and CNN have analyzed video feeds, suggesting that Trump’s eye-closing might indicate fatigue rather than mere listening.
Despite Trump’s insistence that he remains fully engaged, his admission has fueled discussions about his age and fitness for office. At 79 years old, Trump faces scrutiny regarding his physical condition, compounded by visible bruises and reports of high aspirin dosage.
The White House Stance and Medical Assessments
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt initially denied any suggestion that Trump had fallen asleep, maintaining that he remained attentive throughout the meetings. However, Trump’s recent comments appear to pivot the narrative, framing eye-closing as a listening technique rather than a sign of fatigue.
Additionally, Col. James Jones of the White House medical unit confirmed that Trump’s health tests returned “perfect” results, though questions about the independence of these assessments persist.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended Trump, asserting that the President was “too healthy” and “too active” to fall asleep during meetings. Rubio even shared a personal anecdote about his own sleeping habits on Air Force One, emphasizing the normalcy of such behavior during long official duties.
Sources:
Washington Times: Trump Says He Closes Eyes During Cabinet Meetings Because They’re ‘Boring as Hell’
Times of India: Boring as Hell: Trump Reveals Why He Dozes Off During Cabinet Meeting
New Republic: Trump Admits to Falling Asleep During Cabinet Meetings
AOL News: Trump Closing Eyes During Cabinet Meetings
