Donald Trump's daytime sleep has been highlighted by a doctor.
Doctor Says Trump Falling Asleep in Meetings Could Signal ‘Severe Illness’
May 26 2026, Published 3:37 p.m. ET
A CNN medical expert stated that President Donald Trump’s frequent daytime sleepiness might indicate a serious sleep disorder. This comes after renewed scrutiny of his health following another visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner, a cardiologist and medicine and surgery professor at George Washington University, talked about Trump’s public moments of drowsiness during a CNN appearance. He emphasized that the president’s reported tendency to doze off during official events shouldn't be brushed aside as normal tiredness.
Dr. Jonathan Reiner shares concern about President Donald Trump's sleeping habits.
“The president has severe daytime sleepiness,” Reiner said, according to Yahoo News. “He falls asleep often. He’s slept in the Oval Office multiple times while people were speaking to him in the cabinet room.”
Reiner also mentioned public concerns that Trump might have struggled to stay awake during Memorial Day ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery.
“There were worries yesterday that he might have fallen asleep at Arlington National Cemetery during Memorial Day observances,” Reiner noted.
Reiner explained that chronic insomnia can have serious health effects, especially for older adults. Trump is 79 and will turn 80 in June.
“Chronic insomnia is a severe illness,” Reiner said. “It can increase the risk of dementia and reduce cognitive function in older people.”
Reiner did not claim to have examined or diagnosed Trump personally. His comments were based on public appearances and reported instances of daytime sleepiness.
Social media clips have shown Trump sleeping during cabinet meetings.
These remarks came as Trump visited Walter Reed on Tuesday for what the White House described as a routine physical exam. Trump later stated on Truth Social that the visit went well.
“Everything checked out PERFECTLY,” Trump wrote after the appointment.
The White House has said Trump is in excellent health. A spokesperson told ABC News that Trump is “the sharpest and most accessible president in American history” and stated he is “working nonstop to solve problems and deliver on his promises.”
Trump’s physician, Navy Capt. Sean Barbabella, previously stated that Trump was in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to serve as president after another physical exam.
The White House also noted that Trump has chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, after he was seen with swelling in his legs.
Trump has also been photographed several times with bruising on his hand. He explained the marks were due to aspirin use during an interview with The Wall Street Journal, while White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt previously stated frequent handshakes contributed to the bruising.
Trump’s age and health have remained a topic of public discussion throughout his second term, particularly after noticeable medical issues and multiple doctor visits. ABC News reported that Trump has gone to Walter Reed for medical checks and also visited a dentist in Florida in January and May.
The White House has dismissed claims that the president is unfit for office. Trump and his aides have pointed to his public schedule, speeches, and media appearances as proof of his ongoing activity.
Reiner noted that the pattern of daytime sleepiness still requires medical attention in an older president, especially if it occurs often during working hours.
The White House has not shared detailed results from Trump’s recent Walter Reed examination.