Video clips from Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral showed President Donald Trump repeatedly closing his eyes while sitting in the front row, sparking online debate about whether he nodded off. The White House denied the claims, with spokesperson Davis Ingle saying Trump was mourning "his dear friend" after delivering a eulogy. Observers noted prior public scrutiny of the president’s daytime alertness, and the service paid tribute to Graham, who died from an aortic rupture; his sister, Sen. Darline Graham, attended after being appointed to finish his term.
Video Shows Trump Appearing To Nod Off At Lindsey Graham’s Funeral — White House Rejects Claims
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President Donald Trump drew renewed attention during the funeral service for Sen. Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral after video clips circulated showing the president repeatedly closing his eyes while seated in the front row.
In footage shared on social media, the 80-year-old appears to blink or briefly close his eyes several times during the ceremony, prompting debate online over whether he nodded off at the memorial for his longtime colleague.
Reactions And Official Response
The clips prompted a wide range of reactions. Critics compared the images to Trump’s longstanding nickname for President Joe Biden — "Sleepy Joe" — and questioned the president’s alertness at a high-profile public event. Supporters and others defended Trump, noting that long religious services and moments of quiet reflection can make even attentive attendees appear drowsy.
White House Response: Spokesperson Davis Ingle told The Independent that the president was mourning "his dear friend" after delivering a eulogy and dismissed suggestions that he had fallen asleep.
Context And Background
Questions about Trump’s daytime alertness have surfaced previously. Earlier this year, CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner observed signs of apparent daytime drowsiness in the president; the White House pushed back at the time, calling such commentary politically motivated and emphasizing that Trump has portrayed himself as energetic and in "perfect" health.
The funeral honored Graham, the influential South Carolina Republican who died earlier this month from an aortic rupture. In his remarks, Trump paid tribute to Graham as a respected statesman and a prominent voice on foreign policy. The ceremony also highlighted a political transition: Graham’s sister, Sen. Darline Graham, attended after being appointed to complete his term.
This episode — brief as it was — underscores how public figures’ small gestures are amplified on social media and can quickly become the subject of national discussion during moments of public mourning.
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