Overview
- In a Vanity Fair interview published Dec. 16, Chief of Staff Susie Wiles said the president is not sleeping when his eyes are closed, adding, "He's not asleep... he's fine."
- Wiles later posted on X that the Vanity Fair story was a "disingenuously framed hit piece" on her and the administration.
- Press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was listening attentively and running the three-hour Dec. 2 Cabinet meeting.
- Footage from that meeting shows Trump squinting and at least once fully closing his eyes, prompting critical posts and claims on social media.
- Coverage also notes earlier instances, including a Nov. 6 Oval Office moment, Trump’s Nov. 18 remark that he and Mohammed bin Salman do not sleep much, and a 2024 courtroom observation that he appeared to nod off.