Former President Donald Trump briefly confused Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem with professional golfer Cristie Kerr during a press conference on August 5, moments before signing an executive order related to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Speaking at the White House, Trump was acknowledging key members of the newly formed task force responsible for overseeing Olympic operations and security. While recognizing Cabinet members, he introduced “Secretary of Homeland Security Cristie Kerr” before quickly realizing the mistake.
“Cristie Kerr — do you know who Cristie Kerr is?” Trump said, prompting laughter from those on stage, including Vice President JD Vance. “She’s a friend of mine. Great golfer.”
Trump then clarified, “Kristi Noem — she’s a better golfer than you, that’s the only thing. But you’re better at a lot of other things. I want to thank you for being here and for doing an unbelievable job.”
Noem, present at the event, smiled through the moment.
This is not the first time Trump has publicly mixed up names. During his 2024 presidential campaign, he mistakenly referred to former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley as former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi while discussing the January 6 Capitol riot.
At 79, Trump is the oldest person ever sworn into the presidency — a title previously held by President Joe Biden, now 82. Trump has frequently highlighted Biden’s age and health in political attacks. However, his own mental fitness has also drawn attention, especially in light of such verbal slips.
In April, White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella released a memo following Trump’s annual physical exam, stating the former president “exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State.”
The new executive order signed by Trump establishes a dedicated White House task force to coordinate federal efforts for the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, which will take place in the summer of 2028.
