Donald Trump was caught on video appearing to close his eyes during a Memorial Day ceremony honoring fallen soldiers Monday, setting off a fresh round of mockery online — and a spirited defense from his supporters, as well.
The clip, shared by political video account Acyn and amplified by PatriotTakes, which tracks right-wing extremism, showed Trump seated at what appeared to be an official Memorial Day event, eyes closed, as others around him stood at attention to listen to the words of Pete Hegseth.
The reaction was swift.
"Looks bored," PatriotTakes wrote of the video, which also shows Trump tapping his knees.
Lisa, an LGBTQ rights advocate in Oklahoma, delivered the most cutting take, reviving an old joke about the president being dubbed "Don Snorleone." A political action committee called BlueRibbonPAC went further: "Donald Trump has always been this way. It's nothing new, but was always why he IS unfit for office."
Independent journalist Aaron Rupar weighed in on social media with, "Trump 'blinked' for a long time during Pete Hegseth's Memorial Day speech."
Conservative writer Anthony Galli chimed in with a unique reply. "It's sunny so President Trump is squinting hard to take in the patriotic message," he wrote.
It is not the first time Trump has been seen closing his eyes at official events. The president has previously denied falling asleep at Cabinet meetings and Oval Office appearances, insisting he closes his eyes while listening as others speak.