Trump's Unusual Explanation for Appearing to Doze During Cabinet Sessions
Donald Trump has presented a bizarre justification for appearing to fall asleep during White House cabinet meetings, as scrutiny intensifies over the 79-year-old US President's health and fitness for office.
The Cabinet Meeting Controversy
During a recent cabinet gathering, Trump addressed the controversy that emerged from a December meeting where television cameras appeared to capture him nodding off while his cabinet members offered lengthy praise. These sessions, which Trump chairs, typically involve his top team taking turns to commend his leadership for extended periods, sometimes lasting several hours.
"Last time we had a press conference it lasted for three hours," Trump explained. "And some people said 'He closed his eyes!' Look, it got pretty boring in all fairness."
The President insisted he hadn't actually fallen asleep, but rather that cameras had caught him during what he described as the eyes-closed phase of his "cycle." He elaborated: "But I didn't sleep. I just closed them because I wanted to get the hell out of here."
Unconventional Meeting Practices
This explanation raises questions about why Trump continues to hold these marathon, televised sessions when most presidents avoid live-streaming cabinet meetings entirely. Furthermore, few previous administrations have treated these gatherings as opportunities for such performative sycophancy, making Trump's approach particularly unusual.
The President faces no obligation to conduct these lengthy, publicly broadcast meetings, yet he persists with the format despite his apparent boredom and the resulting negative attention.
Broader Health Concerns
This incident occurs as Trump prepares to become the oldest person ever to hold the US presidency this summer. In a recent Wall Street Journal interview aimed at addressing health concerns, Trump revealed several medical details that have raised eyebrows among observers.
He admitted to using compression socks for leg swelling before abandoning them because he disliked them. Regarding unexplained bruising that the White House previously attributed to "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin," Trump confirmed he takes more aspirin than doctors recommend.
"They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don't want thick blood pouring through my heart," Trump stated. "I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?"
Medical records indicate Trump takes 325 milligrams of aspirin daily—approximately four times the typical dosage for someone his age. He defended this practice by noting he's taken aspirin for 25 years and described himself as "a little superstitious" about changing the routine.
Growing Scrutiny
The President expressed clear frustration about the ongoing public discussion surrounding his health, beginning the impromptu phone call with the Wall Street Journal by saying: "Let's talk about health again for the 25th time."
This combination of unusual meeting behaviour, questionable medical explanations, and defensive responses has intensified concerns among political observers about Trump's capacity to fulfil presidential duties effectively as he approaches this historic age milestone.
