Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump ends Thursday’s cabinet meeting early, calling past marathon sessions “pretty boring” and dismissing reports that he had been caught napping.
Trump, 79, tells reporters he closed his eyes during previous gatherings simply because he wanted to leave sooner, not because he was asleep.
Thursday’s meeting, lasting about an hour and 20 minutes, is shorter than past events, which have sometimes extended over three hours with officials taking turns praising the president.
The president skips calling on several cabinet members, including Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who is under scrutiny following a protester’s death by immigration agents in Minneapolis.
Critics have likened Trump’s cabinet meetings to North Korean-style events, where officials compete to highlight their loyalty and achievements.
Concerns about Trump’s stamina have persisted, as he struggles to keep his eyes open in some sessions, fueling questions about the health of the oldest US president in history.
Trump also declines questions from reporters at the end of Thursday’s meeting, avoiding queries on Noem and his recent warnings of potential military action against Iran.
