Trump's alleged face droop at 9/11 memorial sparks 'stroke' speculation; 'did he fall asleep?'

President Trump's drooping face and slouched posture at a Pentagon 9/11 ceremony sparked online speculation about his health.

Updated on: Sep 12, 2026, 00:24:37 IST

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President Donald Trump's lip drooped as he slouched in his chair during a 9/11 observance ceremony at the Pentagon on Friday, which he chose to attend over the event at Ground Zero in New York City.

Trump appears slouched beside Melania during 9/11 ceremony

President Trump was sitting next to his wife, Melania, during the ceremony. His body appeared hunched over, and his lip seemed to droop as he appeared tired.

Trump and Melania listened as the names of the 184 people killed at the Pentagon on 9/11 were read out.

Journalist Aaron Rupar, posted on X, “Trump's face droops while he attends the 9/11 ceremony this morning at the Pentagon.”

The speculation comes as facial drooping is widely recognized as a possible sign of stroke, sometimes referred to in medical terms as “facial weakness following a cerebrovascular accident,” which is likely why online users connected Trump's appearance to concerns about his health.

Earlier that morning, despite heavy rain, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and senior military officials stood outside the Pentagon as a giant American flag was unfurled on the building that was hit by one of the hijacked planes 25 years ago, according to the Irish Star.

What are people saying online

Reactions to Trump's appearance at the ceremony were mixed. One person wrote on X, “His mouth is drooping again. He's had a stroke. And nobody wants to talk about it.”

Another user pushed back on the criticism, writing, “The man is 80 years old, rarely sleeps and has worked tirelessly with very little rest to save this country from political corruption and ruin. The enemy is within… brainwashed useful idiots like @atrupar and power hungry politicians who would see the country destroyed for their own personal gain.”

Third wrote, “It's a still photo. I'm no fan of Trump, but who cares?”

Another wrote, “A Sleepy Donald Trump has decided to take a nap at the Pentagon Ceremony.”

White House responds

The White House said the president was "solemnly listening" and remembering the victims, in a statement to The Independent.

This isn't the first time Trump's health has come under the spotlight during his second term. The 80-year-old has faced ongoing questions after being seen appearing to zone out, with his eyes closing for long stretches on several occasions. Interestingly, Trump has often mocked former President Joe Biden by calling him “Sleepy Joe.”

Just last month, a video of Trump went viral after he kept closing his eyes while sitting at the Resolute Desk during an Oval Office event about vaccines, according to the Independent.

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