Video Shows Trump Battling Drowsiness During Oval Office Event

He once ridiculed Joe Biden as "Sleepy Joe," but it was Donald Trump who was caught on camera appearing to nod off in the middle of a critical press event inside the Oval Office. And that wasn't the only drama that unfolded in the room.

On Thursday, November 6, 2025, President Donald Trump led a press conference from the Oval Office, joined by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Mehmet Oz, now leading the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

The group unveiled new agreements with pharmaceutical giants Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk aimed at lowering costs on GLP-1 weight-loss drugs like Zepbound and Wegovy. But it wasn't just the policy making headlines.

As the event carried on, cameras caught Trump looking visibly drowsy. At one point, as Dr. Oz said, "People can sleep again because they can breathe when they go to bed," the shot cut to Trump with his eyes completely shut.

He shifted in his chair several times, leaning back wordlessly. According to the Washington Post, the president stayed in that posture for nearly 20 minutes.

'Dozing Don?' Social Media Lights up with Reactions

Within hours, the footage went viral across social media, exploding with speculation and sarcasm. One person defended him, writing, "The guy works 24/7, there's no comparison to autopen."

Another said, "My ears still work when my eyes are closed lol. Hardest working President in history." Someone else commented, "Well, considering the hours he works, is it any wonder?"

But many were quick to pounce on the irony, given Trump's long-standing nickname for his political rival. "Is Sleepy Joe back or is it Dozing Don? 😂" one viewer wrote. Another added, "I LOVE the videographer in this one! His camera rolled and stopped on gramps! So good 😂😂😂😂😂"

Critics Question His Health and Who's Really Running the Show

Some noted the awkward timing. "How ironic that he is sleeping through Oz's speech about meds to sleep," one viewer pointed out.

The same person raised more serious concerns, writing, "I can't believe someone did not stop whoever was recording this [...] We are in trouble and he is having mini strokes. He's on his way out…..and Vance (who recently stated that he wasn't going to follow court orders) is going to take over. 'Take over' is the point we need to never forget and remain vigilant about."

Another person chimed in with a joke of their own, "Why does the lady behind him look like a female version of Vance? 😂😂"

White House Denies He Slept Through the Announcement

As speculation mounted, the White House moved to shut down rumors. Press secretary Taylor Rogers insisted Trump had not dozed off.

"The President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the press during this announcement," she said, calling the news "a historic reduction in prices for Americans on two drugs that help Americans struggling with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other conditions."

This isn't the first time Trump's health has stirred headlines. Back in July 2025, the White House revealed Trump had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency after swelling was observed in his legs.

His doctor, Capt. Sean Barbabella described the condition as "common and benign, particularly in individuals over 70." Diagnostic testing showed no signs of more serious issues like deep vein thrombosis, arterial disease, or heart failure, and the White House reported Trump felt "no discomfort."

Press secretary Karoline Leavitt also addressed widespread concern over bruises spotted on the president's hand, chalking it up to "frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin."

Barbabella's official letter supported this, noting the marks were "consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen." The report concluded, "President Trump remains in excellent health."

Oval Office Briefing Takes a Scary Turn as Man Collapses

Trump's perceived drowsiness wasn't the only unsettling moment in the room. Later in the same press conference, chaos erupted when a man standing near the president suddenly collapsed. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks had been mid-sentence when he paused to ask, "Are you OK? Gordon, are you OK?"

The man fell to his knees and then onto the floor. Dr. Oz rushed to assist as reporters were immediately ushered out. Initial reports identified the man as Gordon Findlay, global brand director for Novo Nordisk — but the company later denied he was present.

A White House attendee list didn't include Findlay or Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who was also spotted nearby.

Second Medical Emergency in the Oval Office This Year

Trump just stood and watched as the emergency unfolded, watching as others stepped in. The moment echoed a similar incident earlier this year — one also under the Oval Office roof — involving Dr. Oz's young granddaughter.

Back on Friday, April 18, Dr. Mehmet Oz had just been sworn in as CMS administrator when his 11-year-old granddaughter, Philomena, suddenly fainted. The ceremony came to a halt as Trump was delivering remarks.

Trump Was Warning of Nuclear Threats When the Girl Collapsed

The event, officiated by Health Secretary Kennedy, included Oz's wife, Lisa, and their children — Daphne, Arabella, Zoe, and Oliver — plus several grandchildren seated across from the Resolute Desk.

During his speech, Trump had shifted focus to foreign policy, warning that the U.S. would be in "great danger" if Iran acquired a nuclear weapon. Just as he uttered those words, a commotion broke out.

Footage from the event showed stunned journalists reacting. One of Oz's daughters was heard yelling, "Philo fainted, Philo fainted. Dad, go!" Oz quickly stepped away from the podium to attend to his granddaughter, then returned beside Trump.

White House Aides Scramble, Cameras Ordered Out

White House aides jumped into action. "Everybody out!" one shouted. Another yelled, "Get out right now." A third voice commanded, "No photos."

Though the footage didn't show the moment Philomena collapsed, it did capture Daphne and Oliver helping her out of the room. The young girl appeared visibly unwell as she exited. The recording then abruptly cut off.

A White House spokesperson later issued a brief statement. "We are happy to say she is okay," it read. Daphne Oz — the "MasterChef Junior" judge and wellness author — shares four children with husband John Jovanovic: Philomena, Domenica, Giovanna, and a son. Philomena is the eldest.

Critics Say Trump Showed No Concern for Fainting Child

Social media users didn't hold back. One Instagram commenter wrote, "All was all about trump , he didn't care about the grand daughter." Another added, "His face says how dare she take the attention from me!" A third observed, "He didn't even ask what happened. SMH."

"He's probably mad the attention was turned away from him," another stated. One more asked, "Why didn't the grandfather doctor man help his little granddaughter?" And another echoed, "They were more concerned about the press leaving than the child."

Facebook lit up with additional backlash — but this time aimed at Dr. Oz himself. "Doesn't look like he did anything but look," one person commented.

Another said, "He didn't assess her he didn't jump into action? 😂 he went back on that podium as fast as he went down it .." A third added, "I hope she's ok!! I don't care for any of the politicians around her!! But I have empathy for her!"

As questions swirl over the president's health and leadership, and critics seize on every unscripted moment, one thing is clear — the drama inside the Oval Office isn't slowing down anytime soon.