US President Donald Trump appeared to fail to recognise a American flag, after it was gifted to him by a Republican congressman in the Oval Office.
Congressman John Rose, who represents Tennessee’s Sixth Congressional District, handed Mr Trump the flag and said: “I would like to leave with this gift from a constituent back in Tennessee.” Mr Trump’s six-word response suggested he did not know what the present was. He said: “I could use that at night”.
Laughing, Mr Rose replied: “It’s an American flag”.
“It’s very nice, I like that. Thank you very much,” Trump responded.
The president was given the gift after signing legislation at his Oval Office desk on Friday, including the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act, which was introduced by Rose and which limits how and when personal financial data can be shared.
Rose said of the bill: “It’s difficult for Americans to buy homes, particularly after the last four years, sir.”
Mr Trump’s flag gaffe comes hot on the heels of rumours that the 79-year-old leader had died. Last week, “Donald Trump is dead” was circulating on social media, following concerns about pictures showing a dark patch on his hand.
Dismissing the concerns, Trump’s physician Sean Barbabella said: “This is consistent with minor soft tissue irritation from frequent handshaking and the use of aspirin, which is taken as part of a standard cardiovascular prevention regimen.”