Trump's final Cabinet meeting of 2025 marked by doodling, sleepiness, and a glaring misspelling

WASHINGTON During Tuesday's extended White House Cabinet session, which stretched beyond two hours, President Donald Trump appeared visibly tired, occasionally closing his eyes while his budget director sketched a whimsical cloud. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke early in the session, though his nameplate contained a notable typo.

The meeting, despite moments of fatigue and minor mishaps, concluded with significant announcements. Trump stated that he does not support Somali immigration to the U.S., while Hegseth defended a September follow-up strike on a suspected drug-transporting vessel in the Caribbean, citing the "fog of war."

The president began by noting that this would be the final Cabinet meeting until 2026. His opening remarks largely revisited past policy points and grievances, including claims regarding the 2020 election results. Each Cabinet member was then invited to speak, though Trumps call for brevity was largely ignored.

Hegseth led the discussions, commending efforts to rename his department the Department of War, although such a change requires Congressional approval. His nameplate mistakenly read "ssecretary of war," a detail that drew widespread online attention.

Throughout the session, cameras captured Trump struggling to remain alert, occasionally nodding off. This display followed his criticism of a recent New York Times article about his energy levels at age 79, during which he assured attendees that "Trump is sharp."

Meanwhile, budget director Russell Vought passed the time by drawing a serene landscape, complete with mountains, pine trees, and fluffy clouds, on official White House stationery. The purpose of an arrow in his sketch was unclear.

Despite Trump's warnings to keep comments brief, several Cabinet members elaborated extensively on topics such as economic affordability. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins highlighted financial pressures on farmers, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called affordability a "crisis," and Housing Secretary Scott Turner emphasized progress in enabling first-time homeownership.

The final speaker, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, acknowledged his position as the last speaker but proceeded to cover multiple issues. The entire meeting lasted over two hours, shorter than a previous record-setting session in August that lasted over three hours.

Trump concluded by taking questions from reporters, injecting humor about the physical endurance required to hold equipment during the meeting. Hegseth stated there were no survivors from the second strike on the Venezuelan vessel and cited the "fog of war." Trump reiterated his opposition to Somali immigration, claiming that citizens of Somalia should focus on rebuilding their own country. His comments received applause from Cabinet members, after which journalists were quickly escorted out.

The meeting ended with Trump energetically slapping the table, pushing back his chair, standing, and patting Hegseth on the shoulder.

Author: Sophia Brooks