CNN interrupted its regular programming to broadcast former President Donald Trump’s press conference live, which followed his order for U.S. troops to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores. However, viewers quickly shifted their focus from the announcement to Trump’s unusual demeanor.
From the start, many watching noted that Trump appeared unlike his usual self. Observers on social media raised concerns about his speech clarity and alertness. One viewer commented on X, “Slurring and rumbling: diplomacy or late-night show?” while another noted, “He keeps losing his place in the speech and repeats himself, looks like he might fall over.”
Additional comments highlighted similar concerns, with one remarking, “He sounds disoriented and slurring, almost like it’s past his ‘sleepy time,’” and another adding, “Can barely understand him, keeps repeating phrases like ‘like you’ve never seen before.’”
Meanwhile, General Dan Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, outlined the military operation behind the Venezuelan raid, but many viewers remained focused on Trump, who was seen closing his eyes during parts of the briefing. Comments ranged from “He’s literally falling asleep while standing behind the general” to “Something is very wrong he keeps nodding off mid-sentence.”
The press conference followed Trump’s authorization of a “large-scale air strike” on Caracas during the early morning hours, with at least seven explosions reported around 2 a.m. ET. Later, Trump confirmed on Truth Social at approximately 4:30 a.m. ET that Maduro and his wife had been captured and flown out of the country, stating, “The United States of America has successfully carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela and its leader, President Nicolás Maduro, who has been, along with his wife, captured and flown out of the country.”
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, who are calling for Trump’s impeachment. Former Congressman Justin Amash described the move as “unconstitutional and impeachable,” while Representative Melanie Stansbury emphasized that Congress must act to “reign him in immediately.”
On the other hand, Venezuelan officials have challenged the U.S. claims. Vice President Delcy Rodríguez stated that the government remains unaware of Maduro or Flores’s whereabouts and requested “proof of life.” The Trump administration had previously escalated pressure on Maduro through sanctions, military deployments, maritime operations, and a $50 million bounty for his capture related to narcotics charges.
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