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Fact check: Has Trump ever fallen asleep during a meeting with world leaders?
1. Summary of the results
Based on the available analyses, there is documented evidence of Trump appearing to struggle with staying awake during at least one meeting with world leaders. Multiple sources reference a specific incident during Trump's visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman [1] [2] [3] [4].
The evidence includes:
- Video footage showing Trump closing his eyes during a briefing with the Crown Prince, with one source describing him "jerking awake" [2]
- Photographic evidence of Trump with his eyes closed during the meeting, which was widely circulated online [3]
- Multiple sources documenting that Trump's eyes were "frequently closing" during a special welcome ceremony in Saudi Arabia [5]
However, the evidence is somewhat ambiguous. One fact-checking source suggests that while Trump was filmed closing his eyes, the duration was "only a few seconds, making it unlikely that he actually fell asleep" [1]. The incident prompted widespread online mockery, with users dubbing him "Sleepy Don" [3] [4].
2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints
The original question lacks important context about Trump's documented sleep patterns, which could explain any instances of apparent fatigue during meetings. According to multiple sources, Trump is classified as a "short sleeper" who typically sleeps only 4-5 hours per night [6] [7]. His physician has stated that "he's one of those people who doesn't need a lot of sleep" [7].
Alternative explanations for the Saudi Arabia incident could include:
- Jet lag from international travel
- Normal fatigue from a demanding schedule
- Brief eye rest rather than actual sleep
The analyses also reveal that Trump's spokesperson Karoline Leavitt has actually bragged about his minimal sleep habits, suggesting his team views his ability to function on little sleep as a political asset [8]. This presents a contradictory narrative where the same administration that promotes Trump's tireless work ethic must address incidents where he appears fatigued.
3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement
The original question itself is neutrally framed and doesn't contain obvious bias, as it simply asks for factual verification. However, the interpretation of the available evidence could be subject to political bias:
- Critics would benefit from emphasizing the Saudi Arabia incident as evidence of Trump's unfitness or fatigue during crucial diplomatic moments
- Supporters would benefit from downplaying the incident as brief eye-closing rather than actual sleep, while emphasizing his reputation as someone who functions well on minimal sleep
The timing and context of when this question is asked could also indicate bias - if raised during campaign periods, it might be intended to raise concerns about Trump's stamina and alertness during critical international negotiations. The viral nature of the "Sleepy Don" mockery [3] [4] suggests this incident has been weaponized for political purposes by opponents seeking to undermine his image as a strong leader.