US President Donald Trump Talks Missiles, Vigilance and Why He Refuses to Sleep on Flights

US President Donald Trump stunned listeners at the National Prayer Breakfast by admitting he deliberately doesn’t sleep on long flights aboard Air Force One — and claims he watches the skies for threats instead. His candid remarks on Thursday offered a window into his mindset on travel and national security.

Trump, 79, told the audience he prefers staying awake on flights that can last up to 20 hours. “I don’t sleep on planes,” he said. “I don’t like sleeping on planes. I like looking out the window for missiles and enemies actually.”

The statement drew laughs, but also raised eyebrows. Most travelers try to sleep on long flights, especially a head of state with massive responsibilities. Trump’s remark tied personal travel habits to a broader idea of vigilance in a world he says is full of danger.

In his anecdote, Trump recalled a visit to Iraq during his first presidential term. After landing, a senior officer offered Trump rest before briefings. Trump refused, saying sleep wasn’t necessary. He reportedly insisted on starting briefings right away.

Trump: “I don't sleep on planes. I don't like sleeping on planes. I like looking out the window looking for missiles and enemies.”

Greatest to ever do it. 😭pic.twitter.com/2UKh3H9jAX

— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) February 5, 2026

Trump later introduced retired US Army General Daniel “Raisin” Caine — a special operations leader credited with helping defeat ISIS — sharing the spotlight with a military figure while underscoring his own alertness.

Trump has long bragged about needing very little sleep. During the 2016 campaign he once said, “I’m not a big sleeper. I like three hours, four hours.”

Meanwhile, former aides and allies have described long flights with Trump as anything but restful. Secretary of State Marco Rubio shared with New York Magazine that he hides under a blanket on Air Force One to avoid Trump’s in-flight patrols and reactions to people sleeping. “I cocoon myself in a blanket,” Rubio said. “I cover my head. I look like a mummy.”

Trump’s comments come at a time of increased focus on missile threats and national defense. Experts note that land-based intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) like the U.S. LGM-30 Minuteman remain central to American deterrence strategy, capable of reaching targets across the globe in minutes if ever deployed.

Whether Trump’s missile-watching remarks were symbolic or literal, they underscore a broader theme in his current leadership: a willingness to tie even personal habits to global security narratives. In an era of rising geopolitical competition, especially with countries like Russia and China developing advanced missile technology, the United States continues to invest in both deterrence and early detection systems.