President Donald Trump momentarily appeared disoriented Wednesday during a bill signing ceremony, prompting awkward confusion as he failed to recognize the congressman who authored the very legislation he was celebrating. The 79-year-old president approached the podium to sign the VA Home Loan Program Reform Act, flanked by Republican Reps.
Derrick Van Orden and Mike Bost. Despite their close proximity, Trump launched into a brief speech without acknowledging either lawmaker’s presence. “I’m thrilled to be joined by the bill’s sponsor, Congressman Derrick Van Orden—where’s Derrick? Derrick?” Trump asked, suddenly pausing mid-sentence and scanning the room, seemingly unaware that Van Orden was standing directly to his right.
Van Orden, 55, responded awkwardly, “I’m here,” leading Trump to notice him finally. “Hello, Derrick, I didn’t see you back there,” Trump replied, with a chuckle. Trump had just returned from a five-day visit to Scotland. Van Orden tried to lighten the moment, joking, “I’m a Navy SEAL, I snuck up on you.”
Trump then turned to his left and greeted Rep. Mike Bost, the 64-year-old chair of the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “And Mike? How are you, Mike?” the president said. “These two gentlemen are terrific. They are working together, and they’ve been working together, Mike, for a long time”, according to Fox News.
The light stumble in grammar was one of several that fueled critics who have raised questions about Trump’s age and cognitive sharpness. He remains the oldest president ever inaugurated, and his recent public moments—including confusing current officials and slurring words—have led to renewed scrutiny of his mental fitness.
The White House, however, dismissed concerns, recently releasing a memo from the president’s physician stating Trump is in “excellent health” with “no abnormalities” found in neurological and cognitive exams. Van Orden took the opportunity to praise Trump enthusiastically during the event.
“I’m unequivocally stating right now that President Donald J. Trump is the most positive, pro-veteran president in the history of this country,” said the Wisconsin congressman, who served in the Navy for 26 years. His VA Home Loan Program Reform Act is aimed at helping veterans avoid foreclosure by allowing them to roll missed mortgage payments to the end of their loan term. It replaces the Biden-era partial claims program.
Van Orden has faced criticism in recent weeks for appearing to cheer reductions to health care and food assistance in the GOP’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” though he remains a staunch supporter of Trump. When contacted for comment, White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly responded, “The Daily Beast will attack President Trump for anything – even signing a bipartisan bill that will alleviate veteran homelessness.”