Trump appearing – MSNBC host Chris Hayes said footage from a Thursday Oval Office briefing looked like President Donald Trump was nodding off while Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin spoke about coal, adding that critics say the pattern is becoming normali
It’s the kind of moment political debate loves to seize—until it starts to feel like the same moment, day after day.
On “All In. ” MS NOW host Chris Hayes watched an Oval Office briefing video in which it appeared. to many viewers. that President Donald Trump was nodding off. “I feel like I’m losing my mind!. How is that the president of the United States, Philip?” Hayes said, addressing his guest, journalist Philip Bump.
Hayes’ focus was a Thursday video that showed Trump closing his eyes and then abruptly opening them as Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin spoke about coal. “This is now a daily thing,” Hayes said. “Look, look! He’s asleep! The man is asleep! He’s not resting his eyes.”
For Hayes, the clip didn’t land as a one-off. He pointed to a flurry of other footage in which Trump appeared to close his eyes and look drowsy at public events—footage that has led critics to question the president’s health. The administration has repeatedly pushed back on those concerns.
In one instance, the White House stated that Trump was “blinking.” Progressive X account Headquarters responded with a clip of Trump slumped over with his eyes closed for 17 seconds.
On Friday, Hayes returned to the emotional reality of watching the images circulate. He said he felt people were getting “acclimated to the absurdity” of Trump “falling asleep in public in front of everyone.”
Later, he adjusted his language, drawing a line between what viewers see and what anyone can prove. Hayes clarified that he could not say, with total certainty, that Trump was in fact falling asleep. “I have to say ‘appearing’ to fall asleep,” he said. “He’s appearing to fall asleep.”
Donald Trump Chris Hayes Philip Bump Oval Office briefing Lee Zeldin coal remarks Environmental Protection Agency presidential health controversy White House response “blinking” Headquarters X account
Every time I see one of these clips it’s like ppl just want drama instead of policies.
The article says it might just be him blinking but cmon… closing his eyes like that while Zeldin is talking?? That’s not “resting his eyes,” that’s nodding off. If it’s daily like they said then yeah people are gonna talk.
I don’t even watch MSNBC but all I keep hearing is “he’s falling asleep” like that somehow means he’s mentally unfit. Could be allergies or fatigue or the lights are bright. Also the White House said blinking so maybe stop acting like it’s a medical diagnosis.
This feels so staged?? Like the whole “appearing to fall asleep” thing makes it sound like they’re trying to be careful legally. Meanwhile I’m just thinking… isn’t this the kind of thing that gets exploited by both sides, like next week there’ll be another video and everyone will pretend they “just noticed” it. Also 17 seconds eyes closed?? how do they even measure that, like who’s timing it with a stopwatch.