Viewers watching a livestream of President Donald Trump at the Pentagon 9/11 remembrance ceremony commented that he appeared ‘tired’, while some accused the commander-in-chief of falling asleep.
Political speeches are prohibited at the New York ceremonies, but Trump and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth both spoke at the Pentagon after the names of the 184 victims of the attack were read aloud, as a bell tolled between each one.
Dozens of people online commented that Trump, 80, looked ‘sleepy’ during the ceremony as he was seen slumped in his seat beside a somber first lady. Commenters said that Trump’s eyes were closed at some points, including for extended periods during Hegseth’s speech.
The White House said the president was ‘solemnly listening’ and remembering the victims, in a statement to The Independent.
“Watching the 9/11 memorial and Trump is asleep,” one wrote. “Trump can’t keep his eyes open even on September 11. Camera was on him for some time and he barely moved,” said another.
“Trump is literally falling asleep at the wheel at the Pentagon Ceremony,” someone else claimed.
Journalist Aaron Rupar, whose clips of the president often go viral on social media, also commented that Trump ‘sounds absolutely exhausted’ and shared a video from the president’s speech.
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