20.06.2025

Operator dozes by Trump?

A video clip taken at the Whitehouse on Wednesday, this week has gone viral. It was taken during the installation of two new 30 metre flag poles, and appears to show the crane operator doze off as president Trump stands below his cab for photos with other members of the crew.
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The reclining crane operator

The crane, is a four axle Grove GMK4100- L-1 All Terrain from the Baltimore based Williams Crane Service fleet, it carried out the two lifts with pin point precision.
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To be fair to the operator we do not think he was actually dozing. The flag had already been lifted into place and was receiving the final touches, so there was nothing for the operator to do but relax after a very early start on a warm day. Seconds before the video clip he is clearly wide awake and simply sits back in his seat to relax and wait until the ground crew are ready for the slings to be removed.
You can see the video for yourself below.