Trump health fears soar as president's 'face droops' as he 'falls asleep' in public again

Fresh concerns over Donald Trump’s health have erupted online after critics claimed the US President appeared to struggle to stay awake during a maternal health event in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington. Clips from the event quickly spread across social media, with users pointing to moments where Mr Trump appeared to close his eyes while seated during the televised appearance.

Journalist Aaron Rupar intensified the speculation after posting on X: “Trump’s face drooping was especially noticeable today.” In a second post, Mr Rupar mocked the president by writing: “Trump is about to hit REM sleep on camera in the Oval.” The comments triggered a flood of reaction online, with critics and supporters clashing over the footage. One user joked: “The nodfather continues his unbroken napping streak live for the whole world to see. He might break a Guinness world record for most consecutive days sleeping on the job.” Another mocked: “It’s hard for Trump to be ‘woke’ when he can barely even stay awake.” A third commenter wrote: “Trump, talking out the side of his mouth. Why won’t Republicans get him some help?”

However, Trump supporters and allies quickly hit back against the claims.

“The White House’s official rapid response team, Rapid Response 47, erupted over the claims, firing back: ‘He was blinking, you absolute moron.’”

Another supporter defended the president by writing: “He’s literally reading,” before accusing critics of unfairly attacking Mr Trump.

A further supporter insisted: “No one goes on less sleep than he does. He works harder than your big toe, so be quiet.”

The latest speculation comes despite President Trump claiming he “aced” all three cognitive tests administered to him during his first and second presidencies.​

Speaking at the White House on Monday, the POTUS claimed no previous president had undergone a similar cognitive assessment as he defended his mental sharpness.

He has previously argued that anyone running for president or vice president should be required to take a cognitive test, claiming no previous president had participated in a similar exercise.

Earlier this year, the president also wrote on Truth Social that White House doctors declared him to be in “PERFECT HEALTH” following a cognitive assessment.

Questions surrounding the president’s health have persisted for months, with observers also noting bruising on his hands and swelling around his ankles during recent public appearances.

The White House has previously attributed the bruising and swelling to chronic venous insufficiency.

Mr Trump has nevertheless continued to strongly defend his physical fitness.

During a speech in March, the president recalled former White House doctor Ronny Jackson allegedly telling him he could live to “200 years old” if he stopped eating junk food.