White House issues scathing response after Trump was seen 'passed out' in chair during meeting

The Trump administration has been forced into issuing a fiery statement after the Commander-in-Chief appeared to slump in his chair and fall asleep in front of the world's cameras, with officials calling the description of the well-photographed incident 'garbage'.

After spending years calling his predecessor in the White House 'Sleepy Joe', Donald Trump was roundly ridiculed on social media for appearing to close his eyes and drift off during the important Oval Office presentation. The presentation was on the price of weight loss medication, with California Governor Gavin Newsom quick to attack with his own moniker, saying on X 'DOZY DON IS BACK'.

Now older than Biden when he assumed office in 2020, Trump seemed to lose an uphill battle with his eyelids while his appointed head of Medicare services, former TV host Dr Oz, announced plans to lower the cost of weight loss drugs for ordinary Americans.

'Dozy Don' appeared to snooze while Dr Oz was speaking (Andrew Harnik / Staff)

“People can sleep again, because they can breathe when they go to bed,” Oz said from beside the Resolute Desk, while the president struggled to stay awake.

However, the White House has strenuously denied any accusation that Trump fell asleep during the televised meeting and pointed to his engagement with the topic - without explaining why his eyes appeared to be closed, while his head rested against the back of his chair.

"The President was not sleeping; in fact, he spoke throughout and took many questions from the press during this announcement which represents a historic reduction in prices for Americans on two drugs that help Americans struggling with diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and other conditions," the scathing official response claimed.

Should the meeting's announcements come into effect, the monthly cost of orally administered GLP-1 weight loss drugs will fall to $149, while injectables are expected to cost $249.

In a separate incident, Trump stood and watched while a man received medical attention(ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/Getty Images)

The statement, given to CNN, then went on to attack 'liberal' journalists for questioning why the president appeared to completely nod off in the Oval Office, saying: "This announcement by President Trump will save a significant amount of money and countless American lives, and yet the failing, liberal media want to push a garbage narrative instead of covering it.”

It was not the only surprising incident to mark White House announcements last week, with an unnamed pharmaceuticals executive also setting cameras whirring after suddenly collapsing in the Oval Office.

During the panic that followed, pictures quickly spread on social media of Trump standing aloof, while Dr Oz and other officials rushed to the man's aid. Health Secretary RFK Jr. could also be seen scurrying out of shot while other officials tried to help the fallen executive.

Oz later confirmed that the man had recovered after getting medical attention.