What's happened
President Trump was seen slouching and closing his eyes during a White House event announcing lower drug prices. The White House denied he was sleeping, citing active participation. The incident drew media attention and political commentary, with some comparing it to past episodes of apparent fatigue.
What's behind the headline?
The incident highlights ongoing political and media focus on President Trump's health and stamina. The White House's denial contrasts with footage showing him with his eyes closed, fueling speculation about his fatigue. This episode fits into a pattern of public moments where Trump appears tired, which opponents may use to question his fitness for office. The timing of the event, coinciding with a major drug pricing deal, suggests strategic messaging around his leadership capacity. The comparison to past episodes and the nickname 'Dozy Don' reflect a broader political narrative that seeks to undermine his image. However, supporters argue that his relentless work ethic explains his apparent exhaustion. The incident underscores the importance of public perception in political resilience and the potential impact on voter confidence, especially as Trump seeks re-election.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that footage shows Trump slouching and closing his eyes during the event, with the White House denying he was sleeping, claiming he was actively participating. The article notes that this is not the first time Trump has appeared fatigued in public, citing previous instances at events and during his criminal trial last year. The article also mentions that critics like Gavin Newsom and Neera Tanden have mocked or questioned his stamina, while supporters defend his work ethic. The coverage emphasizes the political symbolism of the incident, with some media framing it as a sign of fatigue and others as a normal display of tiredness for a 79-year-old president. The Guardian and other outlets have highlighted the broader context of Trump's health scrutiny, including recent medical examinations and public statements about his health status.
How we got here
The incident occurred during a televised announcement of a deal to reduce costs for weight-loss drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Trump has previously been seen resting his eyes at public events, raising questions about his sleep schedule. The deal aims to make these medications more affordable for Medicare and Medicaid recipients, with drugs expected to cost significantly less next year.
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