President Donald Trump appeared to doze during a live Fox News broadcast from the Oval Office on Monday, 28 September, as Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke about a planned $15 billion steel plant in Iowa. Fox News viewers quickly reacted, with several accusing the 80-year-old president of falling asleep, although the footage does not establish that he was actually asleep.
Donald Trump's 'Sleepy Joe' Remark Comes Back Into Focus
The moment happened during Trump's announcement about what he described as the largest steel plant in American history. He said the facility would use advanced steelmaking technology to produce high-quality, affordable steel and linked the project to what he called the pro-American policies of his administration.
Trump also used the appearance to take aim at his predecessor, Joe Biden. 'Under sleepy Joe Biden, have you heard of him?' Trump said, continuing his criticism of the previous Democratic administration.
He then addressed Iowa Republican congresswoman Ashley Hinson, who is campaigning for the Senate seat being vacated by Joni Ernst, also present at the event. 'I saw some good polls just recently,' Trump told Hinson. 'Looks like you're doing well.'
Wright subsequently addressed the room while the event was being streamed live on Fox News. He praised the entrepreneurs involved, saying they were among 'some of the best entrepreneurs in the world on planet Earth', before describing the investment as part of an effort to 'reindustrialize America'.
It was during Wright's remarks that Trump appeared to drift off in front of the cameras.
Donald Trump Footage Triggers Sharp Fox News Reactions
The footage prompted a string of reactions on X, with users interpreting Trump's closed eyes and lowered head as evidence that he had fallen asleep.
One user wrote, 'Trump is struggling to stay awake on camera', attaching a clip of the incident. Another posted, 'FOR F--K SAKE TRUMP IS LOSING CONSCIOUSNESS ON LIVE TELEVISION. SOMEONE CALL THE NURSING HOME.'
A third user made a joke involving Trump aide Natalie Harp, while another described Trump as 'completely passed out asleep' during his '2pm Oval Office announcement'. One further commenter claimed those around Trump could not wake him without making the situation obvious.
The strongest reactions came from individual social-media users, not an official statement. The supplied report does not include confirmation from Trump or the White House that he had fallen asleep or lost consciousness.
That distinction is important because the footage only shows what appeared to be a brief period with Trump's head lowered and eyes closed. It does not establish what was happening at that moment.
Donald Trump's Iowa Steel Plant Plan
The steel announcement itself involved a major proposed investment. The planned facility is set to be built in eastern Iowa by foreign-owned steelmaker Mesabi Metallics, with an anticipated price tag of around $15 billion, according to a White House official cited in the report.
The plant is projected to begin operations in 2030. Chris Wright said the project would deliver an economic benefit to Iowa and linked the announcement to his administration's policies.
For viewers watching the Fox News stream, attention shifted to the president during Wright's remarks, while the steel announcement remained the subject of the event.
