CNN stopped its regular programs to show Donald Trump‘s press conference live after he ordered troops to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores. But viewers were more focused on how the president looked and acted during the speech.
When the press conference started, people watching on CNN quickly noticed Trump did not look like himself. According to The Express, viewers said he appeared sick, his speech was hard to understand, and he looked tired as he walked up to speak.
One person wrote on X: “Slurring and rumbling: diplomacy or late-night talk show?” Another viewer said: “He’s cooked.” A third person added: “Slurring and sniffing, must be past his sleepy time!” Another comment read: “Trump has more bags (under his eyes) than the luggage carousel at JFK Airport does.”
Viewers couldn’t stop watching Trump’s concerning appearance on camera
General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, came forward to explain the military operation that led to the capture. But people kept watching Trump, who seemed to be closing his eyes while standing behind the general.
One viewer said: “He’s literally falling asleep standing there behind the general. Keeps getting woke up by someone screaming in his earpiece.” Another person wrote: “Let’s see if he falls asleep… OMG.. there he goes while the general speaks…”
A third viewer noted: “Trump is about to go to sleep again. This time standing. Something is very wrong.” The concerning display has added fuel to ongoing discussions about the president’s dietary choices and health.
The press conference happened after Trump ordered a large air strike on Caracas, Venezuela early in the morning. At least seven explosions were heard around 2am ET. Trump posted on Truth Social around 4:30am ET that Maduro and his wife had been captured.
He wrote: “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.” Democrats have called for Trump’s impeachment over this action.
Former Congressman Justin Amash called Trump’s decisions “unconstitutional and impeachable.” New Mexico Representative Melanie Stansbury said Congress must “reign him in immediately.” The controversy comes as shocking revelations about Mar-a-Lago operations continue to surface.
Venezuelan officials have questioned the American story. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez said the government does not know where Maduro or Flores are and asked for “proof of life.” The Trump administration had already put pressure on Maduro through sanctions, military actions, and a $50 million reward for his capture on drug charges.
Published: Jan 5, 2026 01:27 pm