In the world of political theater, a new nickname has entered the fray. President Donald Trump is facing a wave of online mockery after video appeared to show him nodding off during an official Oval Office briefing. The footage, which quickly went viral, has led critics to christen him “Dozy Don,” a title that directly echoes the “Sleepy Joe” label he famously used against his predecessor.
The scene unfolded as Dr. Mehmet Oz outlined new plans to cut costs for weight loss drugs. While Oz spoke, the cameras panned to a seated President Trump, whose eyes were closed and who seemed to be slumping in his chair. The irony of the situation was not lost on political observers, especially those who recall Trump’s frequent critiques of others’ energy levels. The moment provided ample fuel for social media memes and jokes questioning the president’s stamina.
Leading the charge was California Governor Gavin Newsom, whose press office has been promoting the “Dozy Don” nickname for weeks. Upon seeing the new video, the governor posted it online with the caption “DOZY DON IS BACK.” The effort was amplified by a cleverly designed image comparing Trump to “The Nodfather,” a move that solidified the narrative and ensured its spread across digital platforms.
Facing a public relations headache, the White House mounted a vigorous defense. Administration officials issued a scathing statement that labeled the coverage “garbage” and insisted the president was fully awake and participatory. They expressed anger that the media focus had shifted from their healthcare policy announcement—a plan they touted as historic and life-saving—to what they deemed a fabricated story about the president’s alertness.
This event capped off a notably chaotic week for the West Wing. In a separate incident, a guest at another White House event collapsed, requiring medical attention and creating a scene captured in widely shared photographs. Together, these episodes have fueled a narrative of disorder, proving that in the modern political arena, a single silent moment can sometimes speak louder than any planned policy announcement.
