“I think he’s praying,” said Republican Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.) during the Thursday House Committee on Oversight and Accountability meeting. “But, if he is sleeping, you know – [he] certainly looks pretty while he sleeps.”
The sleeping beauty Boebert was referring to was none other than former President Donald Trump. According to various outlets, including The Independent and Newsweek, Trump has fallen asleep multiple times during his ongoing “hush money” trial in New York.
During the meeting, members of the committee discussed a recommendation that Attorney General Merrick Garland be held in Contempt of Congress “for refusal to comply with a subpoena duly issued” by the committee. A Thursday press release from the committee claimed, “the lawful subpoena issued in February 2024 requires the Department of Justice to produce the audio recordings of President Biden’s interview with the Special Counsel investigating his mishandling and improper disclosure of classified materials.”
Rep. Robert Garcia (D-Calif.) called the meeting a Republican “field trip to praise their leader,” and noted that Trump has been accused of stealing classified materials and storing them in his bathroom. He said that Garland’s actions have been fair and that the GOP majority in the House is attempting to help Trump win another term in office this November.
Garcia also discussed numerous reports of Trump falling asleep during his trial, as well as the photo.
“It’s Donald Trump that’s asleep, and is hurting and dividing our country,” he said.
The California lawmaker compared Trump’s reported penchant for napping to Republican criticism of President Joe Biden’s age and gaffes. At 81, Biden is just five years older than Trump, 77.
“Maybe it’s an endearing moment of prayer though,” said Boebert. “I know when I fall asleep on airlines, you know my mouth kind of drops open, and you know his mouth is kind of tight-lipped so maybe it’s a somber moment of thought.”
“I mean, he’s sleeping,” said Garcia. “It’s been reported by multiple press outlets.”
Boebert continued on to say that she understood why people would fall asleep during the hearing. She said “it’s kind of slow in there,” about court. Indeed, Boebert reportedly has struggled in the past with paying attention at public events. Last year, NBC News reported that she was escorted out of a performance of the “Beetlejuice” musical in Denver for alleged disruptive behavior, including vaping inside and singing.
“I just wanted to say, that’s a lovely picture you have of President Trump, Mr. Garcia,” she said to conclude her comments Thursday.