Trump Briefly Closes Eyes at Steel Plant Announcement

President Donald Trump briefly closed his eyes and dipped his head during an Oval Office event announcing plans for a $15 billion steel plant, shortly after mocking former President Joe Biden as “Sleepy Joe.” The video shows Trump reopening his eyes within seconds and later participating, but does not establish that he fell asleep. The event on Monday, September 28, focused on a planned Mesabi Metallics steel plant in Iowa. Trump referred to Biden during his remarks, then sat behind the Resolute Desk as other speakers discussed the project. Footage shows his eyes closing briefly and his head moving forward while Energy Secretary Chris Wright spoke. The moment prompted critics online to accuse Trump of nodding off, drawing a comparison with his longstanding attacks on Biden’s age and alertness. The full livestream also shows Trump reopening his eyes, responding to questions and speaking later in the event. The footage does not resolve whether he was asleep or briefly closing his eyes while listening. Mesabi Metallics has said it plans to invest $15 billion in the plant, with steel production projected to begin in 2030.