Joe Biden’s apparent nap during the funeral service for former President Jimmy Carter has sparked public reactions and online discussions. Former First Lady Jill Biden was seen nudging him as his head drooped during the service. This incident was caught on numerous news feeds and has added to a series of public lapses that have drawn attention away from his diplomatic and ceremonial duties.
Reaction on social media started within minutes of the broadcast. One user posted footage of the president appearing to rest his eyes with the caption, “Biden is taking a nap at Jimmy Carter’s funeral.” Similar comments followed, with one user joking, “If you had Joe Biden falling asleep 30 seconds into Jimmy Carter’s funeral, you’re a winner.”
Former President George W. Bush, who was seated right behind Biden, was seen leaning forward several times, trying to engage with him to keep the President alert during the service. His repeated forward movements indicated a continuous concern during the ceremony.
Patti Wood, a body language expert, defended Biden by offering an alternative explanation for his behavior at the funeral. She stated that the president might have been displaying signs of mourning for Carter, a close friend and colleague. According to Wood, people in intense grief or emotional pain often close their eyes as a coping mechanism, a behavior frequently seen at funerals.
This incident follows a pattern of similar episodes during significant diplomatic engagements. At a December 2024 summit in Angola, Biden was filmed with closed eyes for over a minute while Tanzanian Vice President Philip Mpango gave a presentation on African economic development. Earlier in the day, Biden had mistakenly referred to Angola, the host nation, as a “vibrant city” instead of a country.
David Carlucci, a Democratic strategist, addressed concerns about Biden’s apparent fatigue following the footage from Angola. Speaking to Sky News host Gabriella Power, Carlucci suggested that Biden’s actions might result from an intensive effort to achieve objectives in his final weeks as president. He stressed that this single incident should not overshadow the diplomatic achievements of his Angola visit.
Biden has previously acknowledged these challenges. During a tense moment in a 2024 presidential debate against Trump, Biden admitted he “nearly fell asleep” on stage, blaming his fatigue on jet lag from extensive international travel. This candid admission followed observations by debate viewers who noted his struggle to remain engaged throughout the three-hour event.
However, not all claims about Biden’s alertness have been accurate. In 2023, accusations that he fell asleep during a memorial for the Maui, Hawaii wildfire were disproved when high-resolution C-SPAN footage showed him coughing and nodding while looking downward. This incident underlined the challenge of distinguishing between real lapses and misleading narratives in an age of instantly viral content.
The funeral service for Carter also highlighted divisions within America’s political establishment. While Biden struggled to stay awake, other political dynamics were unfolding. First Lady Jill Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris notably avoided interaction throughout the service. Harris and her husband made a last-minute seating change to avoid proximity to President Donald Trump and Melania Trump. Former First Lady Michelle Obama’s absence, as she extended her vacation in Hawaii, led to a unique seating arrangement that placed Barack Obama next to Donald Trump. The two former Presidents were seen engaging in an animated conversation, drawing attention from those in attendance.
