CNN interrupted its scheduled broadcasts to switch to live footage of Donald Trump’s press conference following his order for troops to apprehend Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores, yet audiences found themselves preoccupied with the president’s demeanour.
As proceedings got underway, those tuning in via CNN swiftly observed that the president appeared unlike his usual self, with accusations flying that he seemed unwell, his speech unclear, and even appearing drowsy as he approached the lectern for this much-anticipated address.
One viewer posted on X: “Slurring and rumbling: diplomacy or late-night talk show?” whilst another remarked: “He can’t keep his place in his written speech, is repeating himself and looks like he’s going to fall over.”
A third observer noted: “Slurring and sniffing, must be past his ‘sleepy time!’,” whilst yet another commented: “He can’t keep his place in his written speech, is repeating himself and looks like he’s going to fall over.”
Another concerned viewer expressed: “He sounds like he’s close to the light. Can’t even understand what he’s saying. If I hear “like you’ve never seen before” one more time…” highlighting persistent worries regarding Trump’s wellbeing.
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, subsequently stepped forward to outline the military operation behind the capture. However, audiences remained fixated on Trump, who appeared to be closing his eyes whilst standing nearby.
One observer remarked, “He’s literally falling asleep standing there behind the general. Keeps getting woke up by someone screaming in his earpiece.
“Let’s see if he falls asleep… OMG.. there he goes while the general speaks…” another person commented.
“Trump is about to go to sleep again. This time standing. Something is very wrong,” a third individual observed.
The press conference followed Trump’s order for a “large-scale air strike” on Caracas, Venezuela during the early morning hours. At least seven explosions were heard at around 2am ET.
Trump subsequently declared on Truth Social at roughly 4:30am ET that Maduro and his spouse had been apprehended.
“The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the Country,” Trump posted.
The action has sparked outrage amongst Democrats, who are now demanding Trump’s impeachment.
Former Congressman Justin Amash has branded Trump’s decisions “unconstitutional and impeachable” whilst New Mexico Representative Melanie Stansbury insisted Congress must “reign him in immediately.”
However, Venezuelan authorities have disputed the American narrative, with Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stating the government remains unaware of Maduro or Flores’s location and requesting “proof of life.”
The Trump administration had previously ramped up pressure on Maduro through sanctions, military deployments, and maritime attacks, including a $50 million bounty for his capture on narcotics-related charges.