President Donald Trump encountered another instance of apparent confusion during a prominent White House event on Wednesday, August 6, as he had difficulty locating Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. They were standing directly behind him in the Oval Office meeting with Apple CEO Tim Cook.
The 79-year-old president hosted Cook at the White House to announce Apple’s plan to invest an additional $100 billion in U.S. manufacturing, which will bring the tech company’s total U.S. investment pledge to $600 billion over four years. During the event, Cook presented Trump with a personalized glass ornament featuring a 24-karat gold base.
As Trump began his speech at the podium, he seemed to momentarily forget that his cabinet members were 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 stated. “Thanks as well to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for being here, wherever you may be.”
Lutnick, positioned directly behind the president, said, “I’m right behind you,” which seemed to surprise Trump. The president then remarked, “Oh hey fellas, I missed you,” upon realizing their proximity.
This is the second occurrence in recent weeks where Trump has appeared to lose track of those nearby during official events. During a veterans bill signing ceremony on July 31, Trump similarly had trouble locating the lawmakers present for the occasion.
While signing the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act into law, Trump was accompanied by the bill’s sponsor, Congressman Derrick Van Orden of Wisconsin, and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost of Illinois. After speaking for about two minutes on the legislation, Trump paused and asked, “Where’s Derrick? Derrick?” although Van Orden stood just feet away.
Van Orden responded, “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?”
During the Apple event on Wednesday, Trump also made 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 announcement of Apple’s investment comes as Trump has threatened to impose significant tariffs on semiconductors and other imported goods. Cook’s visit seemed aimed at securing favorable treatment for Apple amid the administration’s trade policies.
Apple’s increased 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. This investment is part of Apple’s broader American Manufacturing Program.
At a White House ceremony on August 5, 2025, President Trump referred to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem as “Cristie Kerr,” confusing her with a professional golfer, later joking that she’s “a better golfer than you”—a statement widely interpreted as a senior moment.
Earlier this month, Trump falsely claimed that his uncle, John Trump, had taught the Unabomber at MIT—a statement that is inaccurate since his uncle died in 1985 and the Unabomber was not identified until 1996 and never attended MIT—leading scholars to cite it as an example of confabulation.
Additionally, Trump recently alleged that the United States gave $60 million in aid to Gaza two weeks ago and that no other country had contributed—an assertion contradicted by actual aid from the U.K. and EU, which was widely reported and not acknowledged in his remarks.
Public health experts and media analysts have noted these and similar lapses—frequent digressions, incomplete thoughts, and misremembered facts—as signs that raise serious concern about his cognitive acuity.