Trump ‘slurring’ on CNN raises health concerns | US | News
CNN interrupted its scheduled broadcasts to switch to live footage of Donald Trump’s press conference after ordering soldiers to arrest Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, but viewers found themselves preoccupied with the president’s demeanor.
As the hearing continued, viewers watching via CNN quickly observed that the president looked different than his usual self, accusations that he was not well were flying, his speech was uncertain, and he even appeared sleepy as he approached the podium for this much-anticipated speech.
One viewer posted on X: “Slurring and gurgling: diplomacy or late night talk show?” another said: “He can’t hold his own in his written speech, repeats himself and looks like he’s about to fall off.”
A third observer noted: “It must be past ‘sleep time’ for the babbling and sniffing!”, while another commented: “He can’t keep up with his written speech, repeats himself and looks like he’s about to fall off.”
Another concerned viewer said: “He talks like he’s close to the light. I can’t even understand what he’s saying. If I hear ‘like you’ve never seen before’ one more time…” He underlined persistent concerns about Trump’s health.
Then, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine stepped forward and outlined the military operation behind the capture. But viewers were glued to Trump, who appeared to close his eyes as he stood nearby.
One observer noted: “He actually falls asleep standing there behind the general. He keeps waking up with someone screaming in his headset.”
Another person commented, “Let’s see if he falls asleep… Oh my God.. there he goes while the general talks…” another person commented.
“Trump is about to fall asleep again. This time he’s up. Something is very wrong,” a third person said.
The press conference followed Trump’s early morning order for a “large-scale airstrike” on Caracas, Venezuela. At least seven explosions were heard around 2 am.
Trump later announced on Truth Social at approximately 4:30 ET that Maduro and his wife had been arrested.
“The United States has successfully carried out a large-scale attack against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolas Maduro, who was captured and sent out of the country along with his wife,” Trump said. he said.
This action sparked outrage among Democrats who called for Trump to be impeached.
Former Congressman Justin Amash called Trump’s actions “unconstitutional and impeachable,” while New Mexico Rep. Melanie Stansbury insisted Congress must “immediately rule on him.”
But Venezuelan officials disputed the American narrative, and Vice President Delcy Rodríguez demanded “proof of life,” stating that the government was unaware of the location of Maduro or Flores.
The Trump administration has previously increased pressure on Maduro through sanctions, military deployments and naval strikes, including a $50 million reward for his capture on narcotics-related charges.
