Trump Makes False Claims About Pete Hegseth’s Military Record

In a striking display of contradiction, former President Donald Trump recently denied having promised to release video footage of a controversial Venezuelan boat strike, despite making that exact commitment just days earlier. The incident has sparked renewed concerns about Trump’s cognitive abilities and his tendency to make inconsistent statements.

During a press conference last week, Trump clearly stated he would release video footage that could potentially show whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had personally ordered the second strike on a Venezuelan vessel in the Caribbean. The release of such evidence would be crucial in determining accountability for an incident that has strained international relations.

However, when questioned in a follow-up interview about whether he still intended to release the footage as promised, Trump not only denied ever making such a statement but also lashed out at the female journalist posing the question, dismissing her network, ABC News, as “fake news.”

The exchange was quickly circulated on social media, where users highlighted what appears to be either a significant memory lapse or a deliberate attempt to walk back his previous commitment. On X (formerly Twitter), commentator Jay D noted, “Trump debating Trump is getting quite common lately. Almost like he forgot what he said less than a week ago…”

This incident comes amid growing scrutiny of Trump’s cognitive health. In recent months, there has been a notable increase in similar episodes where he appears to contradict himself or forget previous statements. While Trump has frequently boasted about passing cognitive assessments and undergoing MRIs, these recurring memory lapses have fueled speculation about his mental acuity.

Some political analysts suggest these contradictions may not be memory failures at all, but rather calculated political maneuvers. By denying previous statements, Trump can avoid accountability while keeping his base engaged. As X user Ian Dempsey commented, “He’s SO BAD at gaslighting, I’m just shocked with the amount of people who believe him and then try and tell us what we heard wasn’t what we heard.”

The controversy surrounding the Venezuelan boat strike has broader implications for U.S. foreign policy in Latin America. Relations between the United States and Venezuela have deteriorated significantly under the current administration, with this military encounter further complicating diplomatic efforts in the region.

Some observers have suggested that Trump’s reluctance to release the footage may be aimed at protecting Defense Secretary Hegseth, a loyal ally in his administration. Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and military veteran, has been a controversial figure in the cabinet, with critics questioning his qualifications for the senior defense position.

Trump’s treatment of the female journalist during this exchange has also reignited criticism of his interactions with women in the press. Throughout his political career, Trump has faced accusations of displaying particular hostility toward female reporters who challenge him with difficult questions.

As the administration approaches the end of its first year in office, this incident adds to a growing pattern of communication inconsistencies that have characterized Trump’s return to the White House. Whether these contradictions stem from cognitive issues or political strategy, they continue to complicate efforts to establish a clear understanding of the administration’s positions and policies.