Fact Check: Did Trump fall asleep during the 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pentagon?

WASHINGTON, DC: Social media platforms became a hub of criticism directed at President Donald Trump after footage surfaced that critics claimed showed him falling asleep during a 9/11 anniversary ceremony at the Pentagon.

The circulating video quickly fueled online discussions, with many questioning whether the president had nodded off during the commemorative event, while others debated the accuracy of the interpretation.

Claim: Trump dozed off during a 9/11 remembrance ceremony at Pentagon

Livestream viewers tuned into the Pentagon’s September 11 observance noted that President Donald Trump appeared visibly fatigued, with several individuals alleging on social media that he appeared to fall asleep.

Accompanied by First Lady Melania Trump, the president traveled to Arlington, Virginia, to observe the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance joined all four living former presidents for a separate ceremony at Ground Zero in Manhattan.

While New York events traditionally prohibit political speeches, both Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth delivered remarks at the Pentagon following the reading of the 184 victims’ names, which was punctuated by a tolling bell.

Numerous online observers remarked that the 80-year-old president appeared drowsy. Video captures showed him seated next to a quiet First Lady with his posture slumped, and several viewers pointed out instances where his eyes remained closed for extended intervals while Hegseth addressed the audience.

One social media user commented, “There is no way you can tell me that this guy is fit to be President. During the reading of the 9/11 victims…”

Another user wrote, “Joe Biden — 83, stage 4 cancer, spread to his bones — stood for hours today as 9/11 victims’ names were read. Trump fell asleep at his own ceremony. One showed up in pain and stood anyway. The other couldn’t stay awake.”

Fact Check: False, White House denied the claim

The assertions circulating online are unfounded, with the White House firmly rejecting claims that Donald Trump was asleep during the 25th-anniversary observance.

A spokesperson for the White House stated, “President Trump was solemnly listening and remembering the victims and heroic first responders who tragically lost their lives on that fateful day. Anyone ridiculously claiming the President was asleep is lying.”

While Trump opted out of the major anniversary gathering in New York City on Friday, September 11—reportedly declining attendance due to restrictions on delivering remarks—he actively participated in the Pentagon program.

During his address at the military headquarters, Trump declared, “We will never, ever forget,” adding, “That’s why we fight today. We don’t have a choice.”

Additional speakers at the Pentagon included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Concurrently, the New York remembrance drew Vice President JD Vance, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and every living former U.S. president.