Donald Trump, the first former U.S. president to face a criminal trial, made headlines earlier this year for allegedly falling asleep during court proceedings. Images of Trump with his eyes closed in the courtroom, highlighted by Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA), sparked online ridicule and earned him the nickname “Sleepy Don.” However, Trump and his supporters, including Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), dismissed the claims, offering unusual explanations for the photos.
During a New York trial, Garcia displayed the images and quipped, “It’s not President Biden who’s not sharp. It’s in fact Donald Trump, who is too tired and sleepy to stay awake through his own criminal trial.” Boebert, in response, offered an alternative interpretation, saying, “I think he’s praying. But if he is sleeping, you know, certainly looks pretty while he sleeps.”
She elaborated further, “Maybe it’s an endearing moment of prayer… or maybe just a somber moment of thought.” Boebert also criticized the trial’s pace, calling it “kinda slow” and “boring enough to put anyone to sleep,” as reported by The Independent.
Trump’s campaign vehemently denied the accusations. A spokesperson labeled the reports as fabricated, accusing journalists of spreading “completely fake” stories, many of whom, they claimed, were not even in the courtroom. Trump himself refuted the claims, asserting that he had only closed his eyes to focus and absorb the proceedings. “I just closed my beautiful blue eyes to concentrate,” he reportedly said.
Despite the controversy, the trial added pressure to Trump’s presidential campaign, particularly given his frequent use of the nickname “Sleepy Joe” for President Joe Biden. The irony of the situation wasn’t lost on critics.
The legal battles facing Trump remain a focal point. Recently, a New York judge indefinitely postponed Trump’s sentencing in the hush money case and granted his legal team permission to file motions to dismiss the case entirely. Trump’s attorney, Todd Blanche, argued that as president-elect, Trump should enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution, akin to a sitting president.
Trump was found guilty on all counts earlier this year, with sentencing initially scheduled for mid-July but repeatedly delayed. Following Trump’s victory over Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, it is anticipated that other criminal cases against him may also face dismissal, as reported by CNBC.