A recent Oval Office moment is raising red flags about Donald Trump’s cognitive state. During a press briefing, the former president blasted Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell over interest rate hikes—only to wrongly claim that President Biden appointed him. In reality, it was Trump himself who nominated Powell back in 2018. Realizing the error mid-speech, Trump awkwardly corrected himself and tried to pin the blame on Biden for reappointing Powell. But by then, the blunder had already taken off across social media.
Clips of the incident quickly went viral, showing Trump criticizing rate hikes for hurting working Americans, before falsely stating Biden was responsible for Powell’s leadership. Internet users wasted no time pointing out that Trump had publicly praised Powell during his own administration, even calling him the right man for the job. That contrast between then and now only amplified the moment’s impact.
Commentators online were quick to dissect the fumble. While some blamed the intense pace of Trump’s campaign schedule, others voiced deeper concerns about mental decline. “If Biden had made this mistake, it would dominate headlines for weeks,” one user posted. Another noted, “These lapses are becoming more revealing than his actual policies.”
The slip also reignited national conversations about age and leadership. At 79, Trump remains the oldest person to hold the presidency. Ironically, he’s often used Biden’s age to question his capacity, dubbing him “sleepy” and “frail.” After Tuesday’s misstep, Biden supporters renewed calls for cognitive testing for both candidates, suggesting Americans deserve full transparency about their leaders’ mental sharpness.
While Trump’s doctors have consistently reported normal cognitive health in public medical summaries, each new misstatement draws increasing scrutiny. Political experts warn that moments like these—especially if weaponized in debates or campaign ads—can damage a candidate’s credibility.
Still, not everyone is sounding the alarm. Some defended Trump, arguing that even seasoned leaders occasionally misspeak under pressure. “It happens when you’re thinking on your feet about complex issues,” a political analyst commented. Yet the larger question lingers: if Trump can fumble a basic fact in a controlled setting, what might happen in a moment of crisis?
Both camps are already spinning the narrative. Trump’s allies call it an overblown moment exploited by biased media. Biden’s team, on the other hand, frames it as further proof that mental agility matters. As the 2025–2026 race heats up, one thing is clear: every word—every pause—will be dissected like never before.