Archive · 11 Sep 2026
Trump’s Eyes-Closed Moment at 9/11 Ceremony Sparks Claims
Donald Trump attended a ceremony honoring people who died in the 9/11 attacks.
During the event, cameras showed his eyes closed for some moments.
Some people online thought he was sleeping or very tired.
Others made unverified claims that his face showed signs of a stroke.
The White House said these claims were false.
It said Trump was quietly listening and remembering the victims and rescuers.
Trump and Melania Trump attended the ceremony at the Pentagon.
JD Vance attended a separate ceremony in New York City.
Cameras showed President Donald Trump with his eyes closed during parts of a Pentagon ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Some viewers and social media users claimed Trump had fallen asleep or appeared unusually tired while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was speaking.
Other posts went further, alleging facial drooping indicated a recent stroke or neurological damage.
The White House rejected the claims, saying Trump was solemnly listening and remembering victims and first responders.
Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony with Melania Trump, while Vice-President JD Vance attended the ceremony at Ground Zero in New York City.
- Who
- President Donald Trump attended the Pentagon ceremony with First Lady Melania Trump; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also spoke.
- What
- A brief period in which cameras showed Trump with his eyes closed prompted claims that he was asleep, tired, or experiencing health problems.
- When
- During the ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, on September 11.
- Where
- The Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; a separate ceremony took place at Ground Zero in New York City.
- Why
- The ceremony commemorated the people killed in the attacks and honored first responders.
Claims of Sleep or Health Problems
White House Rejection
What the eyes-closed moment meant
Claims of Sleep or Health Problems
Viewers and social media users said Trump appeared to fall asleep or could not keep his eyes open while Hegseth was speaking.
White House Rejection
The White House said Trump was solemnly listening and remembering the victims and first responders.
Interpretation of facial appearance
Claims of Sleep or Health Problems
Some users claimed Trump’s facial appearance, including alleged drooping, indicated a recent stroke or neurological damage.
White House Rejection
The White House rejected the broader portrayal of Trump’s condition and defended his sharpness, energy, and accessibility; the article does not independently confirm the social media health claims.
- Event
- Pentagon ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks
- Trump’s attendance
- Donald Trump attended with Melania Trump
- Observed moment
- Livestream images showed Trump with his eyes closed at points during the ceremony
- Social media reaction
- Some users claimed Trump had fallen asleep or appeared unusually tired
- Health claims
- Some posts alleged facial drooping indicated a stroke or neurological damage
- White House response
- Spokesman Davis Ingle said Trump was solemnly listening and that claims he was asleep were false
- Other ceremony
- JD Vance attended the Ground Zero ceremony in New York City alongside the four living former presidents