Los Angeles, California — During a somber memorial ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, President Donald Trump appeared to nod off, prompting a wave of commentary from late-night television. Host Jimmy Kimmel used the moment to spice up his recent monologue with a new nickname for the 80-year-old former president: “Teddy Doze-evelt.”
Kimmel highlighted the incident, quipping that Trump “got in a pretty good nap” during the solemn event. He shared that the White House had responded to claims that the president had fallen asleep by stating he was merely “solemnly listening,” a claim that did not appear to be officially documented or confirmed.
To bolster his argument, Kimmel presented a compilation of clips featuring Trump with his eyes shut in various public settings, lasting nearly a minute. The montage included moments from Trump’s 2025 inauguration, a Fourth of July celebration, Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery, and even significant events like Pope Francis’ funeral and cabinet meetings.
The comedian’s routine underscored a playful hypocrisy given Trump’s relentless jabs at current President Joe Biden, whom he often labeled “Sleepy Joe” during previous campaigns. Trump himself addressed the topic of nodding off in meetings, once claiming that had his eyes closed during Cabinet discussions simply because he found them “pretty boring.” In contrast, California Governor Gavin Newsom joined the mockery on social media, bestowing Trump with his own moniker: “Dozy Don.”
Amid the jesting, Kimmel did offer a backhanded compliment, suggesting that in comparison to Senator Mitch McConnell, Trump might just display more energy than comedian Kevin Hart. A clip played during Kimmel’s segment showed the 84-year-old senator returning to work in a wheelchair after a lengthy absence, looking noticeably disoriented.
The humorous take on Trump’s public moments adds to a larger narrative of his post-presidency life, where he often finds himself the subject of late-night jokes and online commentary. The remarks also join a growing list of anecdotes surrounding the former president’s interactions and behavior in high-profile situations, reflecting both public perception and political rivalries.
As Kimmel and others continue to bring humor to such moments, they simultaneously shed light on the scrutiny and expectations placed on political figures in the public eye. The juxtaposition of levity and gravity in such discussions creates an ongoing conversation about leadership, age, and the standards to which public figures are held.