The president appeared to confuse multiple officials, invented a governor, and warned of invasive fish in a chaotic Oval Office appearance.
  • Optional@lemmy.world
    801·
    2 days ago

    President Donald Trump, 79, confounded his audience during an executive order signing Monday in the Oval Office, rambling about an imaginary governor named “Kristi Whitman.”

    “You know, I did a favor for Kristi Whitman,” Trump said, seated behind the Resolute Desk.

    “Whitmer,” he added moments later, in what seemed like a fleeting moment of self-correction—though he still appeared to be referring to a nonexistent “Kristi Whitmer.”

    The president was likely trying to name Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, especially as he soon invoked the Great Lakes.

    “A good favor, I think. With the fish, the carp, the China carp—you ever hear of it?” he asked, addressing the silent room. He continued: “China carp, and it’s taking over your Great Lakes.”

    Gretchen—not Kristi—Whitmer is governor of Michigan, and likely who Trump was referring to. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    It’s also possible Trump was confusing Gretchen Whitmer with Christine Todd Whitman, the former New Jersey governor and EPA administrator who goes by “Christie.”

    Or He may have mixed Whitmer up with his Department of Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem—a name he has publicly fumbled before.

    Earlier this month, while introducing members of his Cabinet, Trump misidentified Noem onstage as “Secretary of Homeland Security Cristie Kerr” while Noem stood just feet away.

    Trump has also had serious trouble with the name of his homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem. Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    Another contender in the “Kristi” confusion: former New Jersey governor and 2024 presidential candidate Chris Christie—whom Trump later referenced in his Monday remarks.

    “Look, Chris is a slob. Everybody knows it,” Trump said. “I always thought he got away with murder.”

    During his rant, Trump also appeared to conjure up a speech he made over the weekend, despite having made no speeches.

    “Over the weekend, I’m making a speech,” he said.

    “Some of these people were from foreign countries.”

    Jesus Fuck. It’s not a “senior moment” - the guy with the nuclear codes has severe dementia. RepubliQans need to start fighting for power now.