Trump denies sleeping in court, says he is closing eyes to ‘listen intensely’

Former President Trump on Thursday denied he was dozing off in court during his hush money case, as reporters in the room reported seeing him sitting with his eyes closed for multiple minutes, just as he had at the start of the trial.

“Contrary to the FAKE NEWS MEDIA, I don’t fall asleep during the Crooked D.A.’s Witch Hunt, especially not today. I simply close my beautiful blue eyes, sometimes, listen intensely, and take it ALL in!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social.

Trump on multiple occasions on Thursday was seen sitting with his eyes closed for several minutes. Reporters also detailed seeing Trump shutting his eyes during the first day of jury selection, with his head drooping down and his mouth hanging open.

The New York Times reported on the first day of the trial that Trump’s attorney passed him notes before the former president appeared to jolt awake and notice them.

Democrats and late night hosts mocked Trump over reports that he was falling asleep in court at the time.

Keith Davidson, an attorney who represented two women at the center of the case — Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal — testified Thursday, followed by Doug Daus, a forensic analyst who has worked in the district attorney’s office for years.