US President Donald Trump caused a stir after appearing to fall asleep during a grand military parade held to mark his 79th birthday and the 250th anniversary of the US Army. The focus quickly shifted from the spectacle to Trump himself when a viral photo surfaced showing him sitting beside Melania Trump with his eyes closed.
Many online users expressed frustration, accusing the president of disrespecting the troops and wasting taxpayer money on a show he didn’t seem interested in.
Donald Trump Viral Moment
Trump’s moment of apparent slumber came during the peak of the military procession. Seated in a high-profile viewing gallery, he seemed disengaged as the ceremony played out in front of him. Viewers captured and shared an image of Trump with his head tilted and eyes shut, suggesting he had dozed off during his celebration.
The viral moment faced a lot of backlash and criticism across social media. Users blasted the president for falling asleep at an event funded by millions in taxpayer dollars. Many questioned the necessity of the parade itself, which they viewed as self-indulgent.
One user wrote, “Falling asleep again, on his Birthday. No, this is not the Pope’s inauguration. It’s his military parade, and Americans paid millions for this… So disrespectful.” Another commented, “Trump too busy sleeping at his failure of a birthday parade to care.”
Melania and Officials Criticised
The backlash didn’t stop at Trump. During the ceremony, Melania Trump was also observed to be taking a nap. The First Lady was often seen with her eyes closed on camera, which sparked more online criticism. Many people deemed her behaviour improper during a tribute to military soldiers since it showed boredom or disinterest.
Adding to the spectacle, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was caught yawning and reclining in his seat. Vice President JD Vance also faced heat for bringing his wife and three children, who some viewers labelled as “uncontrollable.” Critics viewed their presence and behaviour as ill-suited for such a formal event.
While the parade aimed to honour the armed forces, the focus has now shifted to the attendees’ lack of engagement, especially Trump’s, whose nap became the centrepiece of the controversy.