Overview
- In the interview published Jan. 26, the president said Cabinet sessions are “boring as hell,” acknowledging he closes his eyes and has fallen asleep during the lengthy meetings.
- A White House medical aide told him, “Your health is excellent, sir,” and recent scans found no heart abnormalities, while Trump cited heavy aspirin use for hand bruising and chronic venous insufficiency for swollen ankles.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio said he “cocoons” himself under a blanket to nap on Air Force One so the president does not see him sleeping and judge it as weakness.
- Rubio said Trump does not nap on the plane and often walks the cabin, and he explained his tactic as a way to avoid being identified as the sleeper.
- Aides argued the president is listening when his eyes are closed, but coverage also recapped multiple past instances where he appeared to doze in public, keeping focus on his stamina at age 79.