During a live broadcast on Fox News, a number of viewers accused President Donald Trump of “falling asleep standing up.” The president was there to honor fallen Army Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis and his heroism in Afghanistan.
Video clips on X showed Trump standing with his eyes closed and swaying slightly as a White House aide spoke of the 2013 attack that claimed the 24-year-old soldier’s life.
Ollis was killed when a suicide bomber’s vest blew up during an assault on Forward Operating Base Ghazni. Mortars and grenades rained down on the base, which is why he reportedly ordered his soldiers into bunkers and went toward the breach in the perimeter himself.
He linked up with a coalition officer and other friendly forces and kept firing continuously at the enemy. After Ollis incapacitated an insurgent, the attacker’s suicide vest exploded, killing the soldier.
As that story was being read out, cameras caught Trump with his eyes shut for extended moments.
A user wrote on X, “Trump struggles to keep his eyes open while listening to a story about a Medal of Honor recipient being mortally wounded.” Another quipped, “Good thing she talked so fast, and longer, and they’d have to bring in a pillow and blanket.” A third user posted, “Asleep at the wheel again.”
Yet, a defender countered that Trump may have been “saying a prayer.”
🇺🇸✝🔥❤️🔥🔥🕎🫧🦅⚔🇮🇱
President Trump Posthumously Honors Afghan War Hero Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis
President Trump awarded the Medal of Honor to Staff Sgt. Michael Ollis, who sacrificed his life by shielding a wounded Polish officer from a suicide vest in Afghanistan just weeks… pic.twitter.com/vz4IdSbJde
— David VS Goliath (@AntiSin3) March 2, 2026
The clip reignited the long-running debate about Trump’s health. One critic wrote on X, “The man slept through his own criminal trial. I don’t want to say he’s too old to hold office, because some people are energetic into their 90s. But Trump’s poor health and aging (and honestly, dementia) make him unfit for the presidency.”
Another user wrote, “They will say he was praying.”
Over the years, Trump’s opponents have brought up moments where he appeared low in energy or distracted. However, his allies insist such interpretations are either politically motivated or taken out of context.
There’s also the reality of live television. Long ceremonial readings and formal settings often involve stillness. Hence, in that setting, closing one’s eyes can be reflection or prayer, if not straight-up fatigue. The problem for Trump is that now, every blink of his eyes carries subtext.
The 79-year-old’s supporters often say that his packed schedule and appearances prove his endurance. His critics, on the other hand, argue that the visible lapses, even if minor, can make people question his suitability for such a demanding office.
1) “Sleepy Joe”, the MAGA said. Trump falls asleep and snores at the pope’s funeral. But let’s see more evidence of Sleepy Don next⬇️ pic.twitter.com/aCP8phvGxP
— 🇺🇦Radio Free NAFO Jack’s House (@FluteMagician) April 26, 2025
As of the time of writing, the White House has not publicly addressed the “falling asleep” accusations stemming from the ceremony. Nor have there been any official health concerns tied to the moment.
