US President Donald Trump appeared to doze off during 4th of July festivities, triggering a massive reaction across social media.

President Trump marked the 250th anniversary of American independence on Saturday after severe storms forced a roughly two-hour evacuation of the National Mall in Washington DC, with the dangerous weather disrupting celebrations across several US cities.

However, another storm was brewing after prominent Democrat Harry Sissons accused the 47th US president of “falling asleep” during the celebrations. He stated: “Trump seen falling asleep during the fireworks in DC for America’s 250th. Incredibly embarrassing and concerning.”

Meanwhile, journalist Aaron Rupar took a swipe at the President, writing: “Trump ‘blinks’ during the fireworks show in DC.”

Trump, who celebrated his 80th birthday on June 14, is no stranger to accusations that he has been caught napping while in office.

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Just a few days before he marked his 80th last month, Democrats alleged the Commander-in-Chief nodded off during a meeting in the Oval Office at the White House, reports the Express.

During an afternoon gathering focused on “clean coal”, Trump handed the floor to Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. As the two men addressed the room, the president reclined in his chair and appeared to shut his eyes for several moments.

California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s camp declared, “DOZY DON IS BACK (HE NEVER LEFT)”. The White House, however, was swift to hit back at detractors.

The Trump X account Rapid Response 47 fired back: “His eyes are literally open in the clip you posted, you dumba** mouth-breathers.”

Trump blended partisan politics with patriotic sentiment during his address following Saturday’s festivities, which he proclaimed “one of the most joyous and glorious milestones of all time”.

Speaking in Washington after severe storms triggered an approximately two-hour evacuation of the National Mall, Trump paid tribute to veterans, among them several from World War II and one of the first Black officers to command a Special Forces unit in combat in Vietnam.

They stood before flags representing some of the most pivotal and defining moments in American history, from the one draped over Abraham Lincoln’s casket to the one that flew aboard the plane piloted by the Wright Brothers.

Trump declared: “We will always be on top, we will never let our country fall. We will always be the best.”

Trump steered away from self-promotion more than he typically does at his regular rally speeches. Nevertheless, he still managed to squeeze in a quip about pursuing a third presidential term and a nod to World War II’s “greatest generation.

“They are the greatest generation,” Trump said, “I hate to admit that, but they are.”