Former President Donald Trump froze for 30 seconds while addressing the National Rifle Association's annual meeting — causing some to speculate that the Republican candidate was struggling due to a teleprompter glitch.
The incident occurred more than an hour into the former president's meandering address to thousands of gun rights activists in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday. Besides gun control, the speech also touched on topics including abortion, immigration and the economy.
"The Texas spirit of proud independence was forged by cowboys and cattle hands, ranchers and rangers, oil workers, soldiers and brave, brave, brave, pioneers," he began. "Many came here with nothing but the boots or their feet, the clothes on their back, and the gun in their saddle. Together they helped make America into the single greatest nation in the history of the world."
But after his comments praising the cowboys and pioneers, Trump suddenly paused for more than 30 seconds — glowering, and shaking his head at one point. Music swelled in the background while Trump seemed to look down at his podium or out at the crowd.
Trump starts playing QAnon music during his bizarre slur-filled NRA speech pic.twitter.com/tprP3rRxMR
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) May 18, 2024
"But now we are a nation in decline," he said after the pause, while the orchestral music continued in the background. "We are a failing nation."
The symphonic background — which the Biden-Harris campaign described as "QAnon music" —continued for more than 10 minutes, until the speech concluded.
Some supporters of President Joe Biden were quick to seize on the moment — with one account describing Trump as "senile." Trump has often mocked Biden's delivery in speeches, which he has claimed are tethered to a teleprompter, and has accused Biden of struggling to think on his feet.
"Trump can only read off the teleprompter now. Look how he freezes when it breaks," radio talk show host Barry Markson posted on X, "Doesn't say a word for 30 seconds. He can't think or speak without the teleprompter."
Another X user, posting under the screen name the Clear Cider, garnered nearly 6000 likes on a post about Trump's pause.
"Today in Dallas at the NRA convention, Trump's teleprompter stops scrolling & he has absolutely no idea what to do except shake his head, pissed off, until it restarts," the user wrote.
