House Democrat Warns Trump’s Sleeping Habits Pose a Grave National Security Threat

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove used the House floor on Wednesday, June 10, to criticize President Donald Trump’s health and fitness for office, holding up an enlarged photo she said showed him appearing asleep during a meeting. In her remarks, the California Democrat described Trump’s alleged dozing as a “grave national security threat” and argued that the White House has not been honest with the public about his condition.

Kamlager-Dove said Trump has repeatedly been seen drifting off during public appearances and warned that Americans should not be told to ignore what they can see for themselves. She framed the issue as one of oversight and transparency, saying the administration’s denials have only deepened concerns. Her comments came as Democrats continued to question whether Trump is being candidly presented to the public as fully alert and capable during official events.

She also singled out Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who previously told lawmakers he had never seen Trump fall asleep and joked that the president “doesn’t sleep.” Kamlager-Dove played Rubio’s remarks on the House floor and contrasted them with reports that Trump has been making late-night calls, including at 2 a.m. and 5 a.m., and was said to have remained in the Oval Office until 12:30 a.m. on a recent night. Rubio said those calls can be difficult for him because he prefers at least six hours of sleep.

During her speech, Kamlager-Dove raised broader questions about whether Trump could be nodding off during classified briefings, meetings with foreign leaders, and other sensitive discussions. She argued that a president who appears tired or inattentive could pose serious risks when making decisions tied to national security. She also pointed to an April YouGov poll showing that nearly half of Americans believe Trump is experiencing some degree of cognitive decline, saying his recent behavior has reinforced those worries.

Her criticism also extended to Trump’s nighttime social media activity and his policy priorities. She said he has been posting AI-generated content on Truth Social at unusual hours while focusing on a proposed ballroom project and a political fund, rather than on issues such as the conflict with Iran and the cost of living for Americans. Kamlager-Dove said the White House has repeatedly failed to be transparent about the president’s health.

The remarks followed a widely circulated video from the NBA Finals on Monday, June 8, which appeared to show Trump with his eyes closed for an extended period while seated next to his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan. The clip sparked immediate reaction online, with critics accusing the president of appearing to sleep through the event. Trump’s presence at Madison Square Garden also prompted heightened security, including restricted access around the arena and nearby businesses.