President Donald Trump has reignited his long-standing criticism of former President Joe Biden's sleep habits, despite recently facing similar accusations himself. During a Tuesday meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office, Trump took aim at his predecessor's supposed sleeping patterns.
The 'Sleepy Joe' Comments Return
Trump revived his familiar "Sleepy Joe" nickname during discussions with the Saudi leader about their work schedules. "[The crown prince] does not sleep much, and I don't sleep much. I think we have the same schedule," Trump told reporters before pivoting to criticize Biden.
"And if you sleep a lot and you're president — we just had one that slept more than any president," Trump continued. "He broke every record. He sleeps all the time, during the day, during the night, on the beach. The only guy could fall asleep on the beach with the press watching."
Trump's Own Sleeping Controversy
The criticism comes despite Trump himself facing scrutiny for appearing to struggle to stay awake during official duties. Earlier this month, images circulated online showing Trump with his eyes closed and covering them multiple times during a November 6 meeting at the White House about lowering drug prices.
The photographs, taken in the Oval Office, showed the president appearing to nod off during the important policy discussion. This incident occurred just weeks before Trump's latest comments about Biden's sleep habits.
Expanding the Criticism
Trump didn't stop at sleep-related jabs. The president, who is only three years younger than Biden, also mocked his predecessor's physical appearance and capabilities. During a recent meeting with Argentine President Javier Milei, Trump bizarrely questioned which president would be better prepared to show off their body on the beach.
"You won't see me in a bathing suit sitting on a beach in Argentina, falling down, not being able to lift a 3-ounce chair meant for old people to lift," Trump remarked, referencing a New York Post report from July that claimed Biden struggled to set up a beach chair during Fourth of July weekend in Malibu, California.
Meanwhile, Biden is currently undergoing radiation treatment for prostate cancer, a fact that adds context to the physical challenges the former president may be facing.
The exchange highlights the ongoing political tensions between the current and former administrations, with personal attacks becoming increasingly common in the political discourse surrounding both leaders.
