CONCORD, N.H. – At a recent campaign rally in New Hampshire, former President Donald Trump mistakenly referred to his GOP rival Nikki Haley instead of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., while discussing the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. During his speech, Trump repeated his previous claim that Pelosi turned down 10,000 soldiers on Jan. 6, a claim that has been debunked by the now-defunct Jan. 6 committee’s final report.
This mix-up occurred as Trump has frequently portrayed President Joe Biden as confused and mentally unfit for office. The former president, 77, has previously confused politicians during his speeches. He has defended switching names by saying he does it sarcastically to indicate that others may actually be having a big influence in running the country.
While Biden has also had gaffes and flubs, he has not made his predecessor’s mental fitness a major campaign issue like Trump has. However, a September NBC News poll showed concerns about the ages of both Trump and Biden, with 74% of respondents expressing major or moderate concerns about Biden’s ability to serve a second term at 80 years old, and 47% reporting similar concerns about Trump.
This incident in New Hampshire adds to a pattern of gaffes and confusion displayed by Trump in his public appearances. Despite the mix-up, Trump’s supporters continue to rally behind him as speculation mounts about a potential 2024 presidential run. His ability to maintain influence over the Republican Party continues to be a topic of interest as the 2022 midterm elections approach.