Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks, as U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, U.S. Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz and U.S. President Donald Trump listen, during an event to address the Trump administration's healthcare policies, in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 31, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein
President Donald Trump was roundly mocked by his critics on Monday after he appeared to fall asleep during a press conference in the Oval Office where his cabinet members heaped effusive praise on him.
Trump and multiple of his cabinet secretaries gathered the press in the Oval Office to tout the administration's record on health care. The event was held at a time when public polling suggests that Republicans face an uphill battle during the upcoming midterms.
At one point, Mehmet Oz, Trump's Medicaid administrator, heaped praise on the president for lowering the cost of some drugs. While Oz spoke, Trump seemed to have a hard time keeping his eyes open, which made some observers think he had fallen asleep yet again.
The president's critics shared their reactions on social media.
"Drowsy Don strikes again," Joanne Carducci, a political commentator who goes by "JoJofromJerz" online, posted on X.
"Grandpa is cooked," Alex Cole, a progressive news content creator, posted on X.
"You would think they’d stop scheduling these press conferences during executive nap time," Melanie D'Arrigo, executive director of Campaign for Health New York, posted on X.
"Oz is loud and gesturing at Trump and yet ..." Josh Dorner, a Democratic communications professional, posted on X.
it's lights out time for Trump pic.twitter.com/3STUfFEa4P
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) August 31, 2026