During a meeting in the Oval Office on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump once again seemed to momentarily forget who was standing behind him.
This time, Trump was welcoming Apple CEO Tim Cook to the White House. Cook was there to announce that Apple planned to invest an additional \$100 billion into the U.S. economy. In recognition, Trump was given a flashy 24-karat gold ornament.
At the event, Trump was joined by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. As he began his speech, Trump praised Tim Cook as one of the most respected and innovative business leaders in the world. Then, while thanking the other two officials for attending, he casually added, “wherever you may be.”
Lutnick, who had been standing directly behind Trump the entire time, quickly spoke up and said, “I’m right behind you.” This caught Trump off guard, and he laughed, saying, “Oh hey fellas, I missed you.”
This wasn’t the first time in recent weeks that Trump seemed to lose track of people nearby. The week before, while signing a bill for veterans on July 31, Trump was joined by Congressmen Derrick Van Orden and Mike Bost. Mid-speech, Trump began to introduce Van Orden but stopped and asked aloud, “Where’s Derrick?” Van Orden, who was right behind him, quietly said, “I’m here, Sir.” Trump turned, greeted him, and admitted he hadn’t noticed him there. He then spotted Bost standing to his side and greeted him as well before continuing his remarks.
Both moments became lighthearted but slightly awkward reminders of the president’s occasional lapses in noticing people just a few feet away.
