Donald Trump’s enthusiasm for his trip to Saudi Arabia quickly faded after he was caught dozing off at a key summit with Gulf leaders. The 78-year-old president had arrived in Riyadh on Tuesday to begin a four-day diplomatic tour of the Middle East. He had promised to secure billions in trade agreements and investments with Gulf nations during the visit.
However, the effects of the long red-eye flight from the United States appeared to take a toll on Trump. At one point during a special ceremony attended by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Trump was spotted with his eyes closed, even startling himself awake.
While MBS appeared to understand Trump’s lack of focus, social media users were quick to point it out. Reporter Aaron Rupar shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) of Trump seemingly dozing off, writing, “Trump is having a hard time keeping his eyes open in Saudi Arabia.”
One X user commented, “He’s just visualizing that new floating palace he’s getting,” while another joked, “Trump’s napping through Saudi talks? Maybe he’s saving energy for his next golf game. Real leadership, folks.”
A third user criticized Trump, saying, “Sleepy Don can barely keep his eyes open while representing the United States in Saudi Arabia. If this were President Biden, there would be nonstop coverage of his cognitive condition and physical fitness. Where is the media outrage?”
Trump, who is known for occasionally dozing off in public, has faced similar accusations before. He is set to become the oldest sitting president in U.S. history during his second term’s final year. One of the most notable incidents occurred during his 2024 hush money trial, where reporters in the New York courthouse claimed he appeared to nod off during crucial proceedings. Trump denied these reports, claiming he remained fully alert.
“I don’t fall asleep during the Crooked D.A.’s Witch Hunt, especially not today. I simply close my beautiful blue eyes, sometimes, listen intensely, and take it ALL in!!!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
