Arizona was supposed to be the stage for a heartfelt farewell to conservative activist Charlie Kirk, but leave it to Donald Trump to completely shift the spotlight. The memorial service in Glendale was meant to honor Kirk’s life and legacy, but between Trump’s long-winded policy rants, awkward photo-ops, and even a few dance-like moves, it quickly turned into what social media is calling a “freak show.” And now, a new viral clip has people buzzing even more because the President looks suspiciously like he’s asleep during the memorial.
The video of Donald Trump allegedly nodding off at the Arizona service didn’t catch much attention at first, but once viewers spotted it, it spread across X like wildfire. The footage shows the President sitting quietly, head dipping in that all-too-familiar way we’ve all seen on long flights or boring meetings. Sure, it might have been a blink that lasted a second too long, but many on the internet aren’t buying it. For critics, it’s the ultimate symbol of Trump turning someone else’s memorial into his personal stage while also failing to stay present during the very reason everyone gathered.
The Arizona memorial had already been sparking outrage. Trump had earlier posted his “tribute” video for Charlie Kirk on social media with upbeat music playing in the background, as if it were a campaign highlight reel rather than a eulogy. He also made time for a very public photo-op with Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, hugging her onstage while cameras flashed.
Donald Trump Allegedly Falls Asleep During Charlie Kirk’s Arizona Memorial Service
That moment, too, got a mixed reaction, with some calling it supportive and others cringing at the blatant publicity angle. Notably, Melania Trump was nowhere to be seen at the event, which only fueled the online chatter.
Of course, this isn’t the first time a Trump appearance in Arizona has made headlines, but the tone here felt especially surreal. Instead of letting Kirk’s colleagues and friends lead the remembrance, Trump delivered speeches about tariffs, trade policies, and the state of his administration, with just a short aside for the man the whole service was meant to honor. He called Kirk a “patriot who devoted his life to the cause of open debate” and someone who “inspired millions.” While kind words, they were drowned out by the rest of his theatrics and now, overshadowed by the image of him possibly catching some shut-eye.
Naturally, the memes and commentary rolled in. “Trump was so bored with his own speech he fell asleep,” one user joked. Others were quick to frame it as disrespectful, saying that the Arizona service deserved dignity, not distraction. And in true culture war fashion, the drama even tied back to late-night TV.
The Internet Is Talking
Jimmy Kimmel’s show had been suspended by ABC following backlash over his comments on Kirk’s assassination, but with Trump’s memorial antics going viral, ABC has since announced “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” would resume on September 23, 2025. The timing couldn’t have been juicier.
“I bet he rather go golfing,” one person wrote via Facebook. “He falls asleep whenever he’s bored,” said another. “Just taking a little MAGA nap,” suggested a third person. “Old age taking its toll,” a fourth comment read.
At the end of the day, conservatives who admired Kirk likely hoped for a moment of unity and reflection. Instead, they got policy rants, awkward theatrics, and a headline-grabbing snooze clip. Whether you see it as exhaustion or a sign of disrespect, one thing’s for sure: Trump’s Arizona appearance at Charlie Kirk’s memorial definitely caused a stir.
Nina Franklin 
Sofia Bassett 
