Trump White House officials pushed back this week after a New York Times report raised questions about President Donald Trump’s energy levels, citing a brief moment in which he appeared to nod off during an Oval Office meeting.
The report followed four years of scrutiny over Joe Biden’s health and public appearances, which had drawn widespread attention throughout his term.
The Times story referenced a short video clip published by an outside website and suggested it reflected a larger pattern, noting Trump’s schedule often includes fewer than four or five hours of sleep per night.
The clip circulated online over the weekend and was incorporated into the Times’ piece.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt responded by contrasting that reporting with coverage Biden received during his presidency.
She referenced Biden’s well-publicized incidents, including tripping on the stairs of Air Force One, stumbling over a sandbag during an event, wandering away from world leaders during a meeting and appearing to fall asleep at various public functions.
Leavitt also noted Biden frequently called early lids on his schedule, sometimes after only a few hours of activity.
DRIVE-BY MEDIA: Karoline Leavitt just nuked NYT reporter Katie Rogers, the same reporter who once declared Biden “healthy & vigorous” is now spreading fake health stories about Trump.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismantled the New York Times’ credibility after Katie Rogers,… pic.twitter.com/tF7ubvZ0jS
— @amuse (@amuse) December 1, 2025
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During Biden’s term, press coverage routinely emphasized his vitality despite public moments that prompted questions about his physical condition.
Biden was also directed to use the shorter staircase on Air Force One after several falls on the main stairs.
Additional scrutiny arose after Biden disclosed in January 2025 that he had been treated for prostate cancer and that it had metastasized to his bones.
The disclosure came two days after his physician announced the diagnosis publicly. Biden had also previously been treated for multiple brain aneurysms in the 1980s.
The Times story about Trump’s schedule surfaced as comparisons between the two presidents’ health records re-entered public discussion.
Trump’s medical team recently released results from his MRI and routine check-up, which were provided to reporters last week.
The White House viewed the Times reporting as similar to previous political narratives targeting Trump.
Officials pointed to past controversies involving intelligence assessments, congressional investigations and disputes over impeachment and the 25th Amendment process.
They also highlighted prior disputes involving the Hunter Biden laptop case and reporting surrounding what critics have called “wrap-up smear” tactics.
The wrap-up smear concept, previously described publicly by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, refers to a political strategy in which allegations are circulated, reported on and then cited as validation.
The approach has been referenced in past disputes involving Trump’s critics and the national media.
Watch Nancy Pelosi describe the Democrats favorite political strategy known as the “wrap-up smear,” where one smears someone with falsehoods, and then uses media reports of those falsehoods as validation.
This tactic is currently in use against @PeteHegseth, @TulsiGabbard, and… pic.twitter.com/FwkW2qYrcP
— Alex Bruesewitz 🇺🇸 (@alexbruesewitz) December 7, 2024
The Times story comes as the administration continues its work on foreign policy, border enforcement and economic initiatives.
Trump has maintained a demanding travel schedule and public calendar since taking office in January 2025.
The comparison to Biden’s years in office remains a focal point of debate, with Trump officials arguing that questions regarding presidential stamina and health must be evaluated consistently across administrations.
Leavitt emphasized that the White House had provided medical documentation and that the administration would continue releasing routine health updates as required.
