CNN paused as Trump completely loses it on air after president 'passed out'

viral video of Donald Trump appearing to doze off during a meeting at the Oval Office has reignited health concerns. The president was called out for seemingly taking a nap on Thursday during a healthcare affordability event in the White House. Twenty minutes into the Oval Office appearance, Len Schleifer, CEO of company Regeneron, was discussing a drug that had cured deafness caused by a rare disease after experimental trials.

The clip shows Trump seated during an Oval Office presser, appearing to close his eyes momentarily before he opens them again. The 79 year old's eyelids close, as the president's head appeared to slump forward during the speech.

An X user penned: "Trump completely passed out, reawakened, then passed out again during today's pressor in the Oval Office." Users online who were watching the live footage wondered if he had just fallen asleep as many speculated about the president's health.

CNN's medical analyst, Jonathan Reiner, addressed the footage. He suggested symptoms like difficulty staying awake in meetings can sometimes be linked to sleep apnea.

President Trump later lashed out at reporters (Image: Getty)

Taking to the micro-blogging site, he penned: "When a patient tells me that they can’t stay awake in meetings, we do formal sleep testing to look for sleep apnea."

He continued: "I’m sure the White House medical team has done this, but the president continues to struggle with daytime somnolence. This is a common problem, and there are things that can can be done to improve these symptoms."

Trump previously told The Wall Street Journal in January that he doesn’t fall asleep in public, but simply shuts his eyes now and then.

“It’s very relaxing to me,” Trump said. “Sometimes they’ll take a picture of me blinking, blinking, and they’ll catch me with the blink.”

When a patient tells me that they can’t stay awake in meetings, we do formal sleep testing to look for sleep apnea. I’m sure the White House medical team has done this, but the president continues to struggle with daytime somnolence. This is a common problem, and there are things… https://t.co/ksPQAkcdg2

— Jonathan Reiner (@JReinerMD) April 24, 2026

The move comes after CNN paused their live footage from the Oval Office as Trump snapped at reporters when questioned about the ongoing conflict in Iran, before lashing out at another journalist.

Their senior White House correspondent Kirsten Holmes addressed the shocking moment the president got "testy" with reporters.

A journalist asked: "How long are you willing to wait to get a response?" in reference to the Iran war.

Trump hit back: "Don't rush me Jeff. You know, guys like you want to say, 'Oh, so we were in Vietnam for like 18 years, we were in Iraq for many, many years. I've been doing this for six weeks."

It comes after Trump has extended the ceasefire with Iran but the White House has refused to issue a deadline.

A reporter asked: "So if you're asking for more time to sort out negotiations..."

Trump cut in, as he argued: "I'm not asking you for more time. I'm not asking them."

The journalist asked if the war continued how it would impact gas prices for Americans, as Trump spoke over him, branding the journalist a "wise guy".