Trump Denies Sleeping During $15 Billion Steel Mill Announcement

President Donald Trump faced accusations of falling asleep during a White House event on September 29, 2026, where he announced plans for Mesabi Metallics to build a $15 billion steel mill in eastern Iowa. The project, led by a subsidiary of India's Essar Group, is expected to create 1,750 permanent jobs and begin production in 2030.

Footage from the Oval Office showed the 80-year-old president with his eyes closed and head lowered while Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick spoke. Political opponents, including California Governor Gavin Newsom and Hunter Biden, mocked the president on social media, with Newsom's office calling him "Dozy Don" and Hunter Biden using the "sleepy" label Trump previously applied to Joe Biden.

The White House denied any health issues, stating the president was blinking, reflecting, or listening attentively. Full footage shows Trump reopening his eyes after several seconds to participate in the discussion. The incident has fueled broader public debate and polling regarding the president's age and cognitive health.