A few weeks ago, former President Donald Trump was photographed in the Oval Office appearing to be asleep or at least nodding off — images that quickly went viral and sparked a wave of speculation. The most talked-about moment came during a November 6 press conference where Trump announced price cuts for widely used weight-loss drugs. In photos from that event, his eyes look closed and his posture slumped, leading many to wonder whether he had dozed off. The moment gained even more attention when, shortly afterward, a man in the audience fainted, further fueling the narrative of a chaotic and unexpected scene.

These images weren’t completely new: earlier, during a special ceremony in Saudi Arabia (in May), Trump was also filmed seeming to nod off, according to coverage by media outlets. These repeated incidents raised questions about his energy level, stamina, and overall health. Critics and onlookers were quick to highlight what they saw as troubling optics: at an age when most people scale back, the president appeared disengaged or visibly tired in high-stakes, high-pressure settings. Given the intense demands of the presidency, even subtle signs of fatigue carry outsized symbolic weight.

On November 18, Trump publicly addressed the viral images during a joint press conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Reporters asked him directly about time management and whether he really sleeps very little — a question prompted in part by his past comments about the Crown Prince’s own sleep habits. Trump responded by insisting: “He does not sleep much, and I don’t sleep much … I’m not a sleeper.” He framed this as not just a personal quirk, but a feature of dedication: “When you love your job … you’re thinking about your country,” he said, explaining away closed eyes as the consequence of a relentless schedule and deep commitment.

He went further to describe his nighttime routine: he claimed to call the Crown Prince “almost any time” and that they often “talk at night … at the craziest times.” This evening communication, according to Trump, comes with the territory for two men leading their countries. In his words, their shared lack of sleep is rooted in constant reflection about national interests and global challenges. He positioned this as a badge of honor, emphasizing a kind of round-the-clock engagement and portraying himself as fully immersed in his role, not disengaged or weakening.

Trump also used the moment to cast a critical eye on his political opponents, notably Joe Biden. He contrasted his own self-described tireless work ethic with what he framed as Biden’s sluggishness, calling out another president for “sleeping all the time … during the day, during the night, on the beach.” By doing so, Trump sought to reframe the viral images not as a sign of frailty, but as a demonstration of his vigor, discipline, and willingness to sacrifice rest for what he considers vital national service.

Public reaction has been mixed. Supporters might see this as Trump leaning into his well-known brand of unfiltered honesty and portraying his work ethic as unmatched. But critics, including some political adversaries, argue that the images still raise legitimate concerns about his physical fitness to serve, especially at 79 (as of the time of his comments). The viral photos, combined with his own admission of minimal sleep, fuel a broader debate over age, health, and leadership capacity — issues that often resurface when older individuals hold the highest office.

In sum, Trump’s recent explanation for his “sleeping” moments in the Oval Office centers on a narrative of extreme commitment and constant engagement. He rejects the idea that he is dozing off from exhaustion; rather, he claims to operate on a different rhythm — one shaped by long hours, late-night calls, and a deep, perhaps obsessive, focus on national duties. Whether this framing will satisfy critics or convince skeptics remains an open question, but for now, Trump is clearly using the controversy to double down on a persona of tireless patriotism.