Trump Explains Why He Closes His Eyes During Cabinet Meetings
Cabinet meetings return to the center of debate after statements that reignite questions about Trump’s attitude and health.
Posted on 28/01/2026 at 20:57
- Trump downplays cabinet meetings
- Presidential health under scrutiny
- Cabinet sparks controversy
According to the EFE news agency, U.S. President Donald Trump explained why he sometimes closes his eyes during cabinet meetings.
According to the president, it is not due to tiredness or lack of attention, but because those meetings are “extremely boring.”
The remarks were made in an interview with New York Magazine, published on Monday.
The comment comes amid growing public attention on the health of the 79-year-old president.
What Trump said about the cabinet meetings
“Trump says he closes his eyes during cabinet meetings because they are ‘extremely boring.’”
https://t.co/lbksLzaLhY pic.twitter.com/bvG77KMPxX— el Nuevo Herald (@elnuevoherald) January 26, 2026
Trump was asked directly about being seen with his eyes closed during cabinet meetings.
“They’re extremely boring,” the president replied.
Even so, he insisted that he listens to everything that is said during those meetings.
Trump stated that although he leans back or closes his eyes, he remains attentive to every word.
He described the dynamics of cabinet meetings as long and monotonous.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: The White House Warns of Risk of Government Shutdown After Minneapolis Tensions
“I’m going around the room and I’ve got 28 guys,” he said during the interview.
He noted that the most recent meeting lasted around three and a half hours.
During that time, he explained, he needs to lean back and listen.
Donald Trump added that he moves his hand so people know he is paying attention.
“I hear every word and I can’t wait to get out of there,” he said.
The president insisted that his body posture does not mean he is disengaged from the discussion.
These statements aim to respond to recent images and comments about his demeanor at official events.
Trump’s health under scrutiny
“BREAKING: In a shocking moment, Donald Trump fell asleep during his own cabinet meeting. What an embarrassment!”
— Gonzalo Guillén (@HELIODOPTERO) December 2, 2025
The interview is part of a report focused on Donald Trump’s health.
The topic has gained prominence in recent months.
In particular, attention has been drawn to visible bruises on his hands.
Trump has also been seen appearing to doze off at some public events.
However, the president maintains that his physical condition is optimal.
In the interview, he said he feels the same as he did 40 years ago.
Donald Trump frequently defends that he has “ironclad health.”
Last week, he explained the origin of a bruise on his left hand.
According to him, it happened after hitting it against a table.
The bruise was visible during his trip to Switzerland.
The president participated there in the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Images of the injury reignited questions about his health.
Medical background and official explanation
Since returning to power a year ago, Trump has been seen on numerous occasions with bruises on his hands.
In several public appearances, these marks have been covered with makeup.
The White House has explained that the bruises are due to Donald Trump shaking many hands.
That has been the official explanation offered repeatedly.
Last summer, the White House released a medical report on the president.
The document detailed that Trump suffers from chronic venous insufficiency.
This is a common condition in older adults.
Despite that diagnosis, the report concluded that the president is in “excellent health.”
The medical report sought to dispel doubts about his physical capacity.
Trump’s recent statements add to that effort.
He has repeatedly minimized any concerns related to his age.
The president continues to argue that his performance is not affected.
His explanation about cabinet meetings points in the same direction.
For Trump, closing his eyes is not a sign of fatigue, but a reaction to meetings he considers excessively long and monotonous.
Related post