In a striking display of political rhetoric, former President Donald Trump launched a fresh critique against President Joe Biden on Thursday, labeling him "Sleepy Joe" and accusing him of negligence during his tenure. Trump asserted that the United States experienced its worst inflation under Biden, claiming, "He was sleeping while you were trying to get a job." This barbed comment, however, came at an inopportune moment, as Trump himself has faced multiple instances of appearing to doze off in public settings.
Trump's Accusations and the Timing
Trump's remarks were made during a public address where he frequently uses the moniker "Sleepy Joe" to mock Biden's perceived lack of alertness. He emphasized that Biden was "sleeping" while Americans struggled with economic challenges. Yet, just hours earlier, Trump was observed at the inaugural meeting of his "Board of Peace" in Washington, D.C., where he seemed to nod off during proceedings. The event, established to fund Gaza's reconstruction, drew attention not only for its purpose but also for Trump's visible fatigue.
Denials and Deflections
Trump has consistently denied falling asleep in public, attributing such images to photographers capturing him mid-blink. In a recent interview with The Wall Street Journal, he explained, "Sometimes they'll take a picture of me blinking, and they'll catch me with the blink." Despite these claims, video evidence from the Board of Peace meeting and other gatherings, such as Cabinet sessions, shows him struggling to stay awake. Trump dismissed one such meeting as "boring as hell," insisting he was fully engaged.
Critics' Swift Response
The irony of Trump's accusations did not go unnoticed by his critics, who quickly took to social media to highlight the hypocrisy. Posts flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter), with users sharing clips and photos of Trump sleeping at the Board of Peace meeting. Comments ranged from "Pot meet kettle" to references of "Sleepy Don," underscoring the perceived projection in his statements. Many pointed out that Trump's own drowsiness has been documented in various high-profile settings, including meetings with world leaders.
Historical Context and Public Perception
This incident adds to a pattern where Trump has mocked Biden for similar behaviors while facing scrutiny over his own. The Board of Peace meeting, held on February 19, 2026, became a focal point for discussions on political consistency and public image. As Trump continues to campaign or engage in public life, these episodes fuel debates about leadership and accountability, with observers noting the stark contrast between his words and actions.
In summary, Trump's critique of Biden as "Sleepy Joe" has been met with widespread backlash, given his documented instances of public napping. The episode serves as a reminder of the ongoing political theater where accusations often reflect the accuser's own vulnerabilities.
