The Biden Sleeping Video Is Old

24th February 2022

The video was uploaded to YouTube in 2021 (Twitter).

The Claim

The video shows US President Joe Biden falling asleep while Putin declares the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

News posted on

Emerging story

Social media users have circulated a video of Joe Biden falling asleep during a seminar and purported it was filmed while Putin was announcing the independence of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The video is also circulating in a GIF format.

Is Biden still sleeping? pic.twitter.com/L4LeWVgckc
— Russian Market (@russian_market) February 21, 2022

Yes, Biden is probably asleep
We don't need to be guessing. @seanhannity #SleepyJoeBiden pic.twitter.com/Ryc1ZY5t4y
— Sheena0620 (@sheena0620) February 22, 2022

Misbar’s Analysis

Misbar has investigated the claim and found it to be misleading. The video is old. On November 1, 2021, it was uploaded to YouTube.

According to websites, the clip shows US President Joe Biden falling asleep during the opening of the recent COP26 held in Glasgow, Scotland.

The claim started circulating after Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced on February 21st, 2022, the independence of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions in eastern Ukraine. Putin mentioned that he was confident the Russian people would support his decision. He described Ukraine as inextricably linked to Russian history.

Following Putin’ Speech, President Joe Biden has signed an executive order prohibiting any investment, financing, and trade between the United States and the two regions that Russia recognized as independent. But the main video is unrelated to this context.

I have signed an Executive Order to deny Russia the chance to profit from its blatant violations of international law. We are continuing to closely consult with Allies and partners, including Ukraine, on next steps. pic.twitter.com/ZS81ivAPgs
— President Biden (@POTUS) February 22, 2022