President Donald Trump experienced another moment of apparent confusion during a high-profile White House event Wednesday, as he struggled to locate Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, who were standing directly behind him during an Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The 79-year-old president welcomed Cook to the White House to announce Apple’s commitment to invest an additional $100 billion in American manufacturing, bringing the tech giant’s total U.S. investment pledge to $600 billion over four years. During the presentation, Cook presented Trump with a personalized glass ornament featuring a 24-karat gold base.
As Trump began his remarks at the podium, he appeared to momentarily forget that his cabinet members were present in the room. “I’d like to welcome to the White House one of the great and most esteemed business leaders and geniuses and innovators anywhere in the world, Apple CEO Tim Cook,” Trump said. “Thanks as well to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for being here, wherever you may be.”
Lutnick, who had been positioned directly behind the president throughout the event, responded by saying, “I’m right behind you,” which appeared to catch Trump off-guard. The president then quipped, “oh hey fellas, I missed you” upon realizing their proximity.
This marks the second time in recent weeks that Trump has appeared to lose track of attendees standing in close proximity during official events. During a veterans bill signing ceremony on July 31, Trump similarly struggled to locate the lawmakers who were present for the occasion.
While signing the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law, Trump was flanked by the bill’s sponsor, Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost of Illinois. After speaking for approximately two minutes about the legislation, Trump paused mid-sentence and asked, “Where’s Derrick? Derrick?” despite Van Orden standing just feet away.
Van Orden responded by saying “I’m here Sir,” prompting the president to turn around and acknowledge him. Trump then noticed Bost and added, “And Mike? How are you Mike?” The president continued, “These two gentlemen is—are terrific. They are working together, and they’ve been working together, Mike, for a long time.”
The VA Home Loan Program Reform Act that Trump signed establishes a permanent partial claims program within the VA Home Loan Program, designed to help prevent veteran foreclosures. The legislation is expected to assist up to 70,000 homeowners with VA-backed loans who are more than three months behind on mortgage payments.
During Wednesday’s Apple event, Trump also made unusual comments about Cook’s physical abilities. “Tim has just about every quality he can have other than athleticism. I don’t know about that. I’m looking at him. I’m not, I’m not a 100% sure about you [being] a good athlete. I’ll bet you’re pretty good,” Trump said while looking at the Apple executive.
The Apple investment announcement comes as Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on semiconductors and other imported goods. Cook’s visit appeared aimed at securing favorable treatment for Apple amid the administration’s trade policies.
Apple’s expanded commitment includes establishing what Trump described as “the largest and most sophisticated smart glass production line in the world,” with the company planning to source cover glass for iPhone and Apple Watch products from a Corning facility. The investment is part of Apple’s broader American Manufacturing Program.
Van Orden, a retired Navy SEAL who served 26 years, praised Trump during the veterans bill signing, calling him “the most positive, pro-veteran president in the history of this country.” The Wisconsin congressman’s legislation replaces a home loan program created under the previous administration that Republican lawmakers had criticized for its potential $17 billion cost.
The veterans bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate and is designed to help veterans struggling with higher interest rates that make refinancing difficult. The legislation allows veterans who fall behind on mortgage payments to roll those payments to the end of their loan term, similar to programs available through FHA loans for non-veterans.
Both incidents involving Trump’s apparent confusion about attendees’ locations occurred during positive news events for the administration, with the Apple investment representing a significant business commitment and the veterans legislation addressing a bipartisan concern about military families facing financial hardship.
