
President Trump's parenting prowess is being mocked after an unusual flub during his press conference on Wednesday regarding the vaping "epidemic" that's sweeping the nation.
During his meeting with reporters, Trump was joined by his wife, First Lady Melania Trump, to announce a crackdown on flavored e-cigarettes after six vape-related deaths and a marked rise in vape usage by minors.
In a particularly awkward moment, President Trump credited Melania with getting him interested in tackling the issue.
"That's how the first lady got involved. She's got a son...together," he said, seemingly remembering mid-sentence that he's the father of son Barron.
“She’s got a son—together”. He forgot and had to catch himself. His frontal lobe is melting. https://t.co/3IdcS50NdX— Claude Taylor (@Claude Taylor) 1568226365.0
He continued, adding that Barron, "is a beautiful young man, and she feels very, very strongly about it."
But, despite the intended message, the damage was already done.
People immediately pounced, roasting the President for his gaffe.
everyone: my son Trump: "She's got a son -- together" https://t.co/6e89rJpZfB— Aaron Rupar (@Aaron Rupar) 1568224479.0
I will be spending the rest of the day thinking about this sentence: “She’s got a son—together—that’s a beautiful y… https://t.co/uDt8Gkbc9w— Jay Willis (@Jay Willis) 1568230407.0
That included late night hosts Stephen Colbert and Trevor Noah, who both had a field day with the flub, with Noah remarking that "at least Darth Vader claimed his son."
TONIGHT: Donald Trump moves to ban flavored e-cigarettes, inspired in part by his wife’s son, who is coincidentally… https://t.co/LgRujPKiJP— The Daily Show (@The Daily Show) 1568246129.0
Some wondered if Trump just simply didn't remember who Barron is.
@atrupar "People are telling me that Melanie's son Barron is a really tremendous young man. I'd like to meet him someday!"— Twice-Impeached, One-Term Trumpy (parody) (@Twice-Impeached, One-Term Trumpy (parody)) 1568224708.0
Can someone explain to me this collection of words? Does he suggest he’s not Barron’s dad? Does he call Barron “it”? https://t.co/yR4PSea7Cs— Emily C. Singer (@Emily C. Singer) 1568235545.0
@atrupar ARE YOU BARRON? https://t.co/nQmFV3sAVw— Alyson Snelling 🐶 (@Alyson Snelling 🐶) 1568227249.0
@HelenKennedy 🎼 ”...Mel-an-ia is not my lover. She’s just a girl. Who claims I am the one. But Barron is not my son...” 🎼— M Arnett (@M Arnett) 1568242939.0
@HelenKennedy I hear really terrific things about this young man, her son. A lot of people are saying he's a bright… https://t.co/JyKi1snTwk— Headless Thompson Gunner (@Headless Thompson Gunner) 1568235425.0
DO NOT VAPE! MY WIFE IS WORRIED ABOUT HER SON BARRON WHO MIGHT ALSO BE MY SON I THINK IF SO HE'S FANTASTIC! https://t.co/m44YkbnQER— Rex Huppke (@Rex Huppke) 1568243246.0
I will pay a bounty of $1,000 to the first reporter to ask Trump on air how old Barron is. https://t.co/15XX3PIowR— Patrick S. Tomlinson (@Patrick S. Tomlinson) 1568249604.0
While others pointed out that very little Trump does seems like normal human behavior.
@atrupar She was right there next to him. A *normal* person would’ve gestured to her, & said, “WE have a wonderful… https://t.co/Qhqz27N38Y— Anne (@Anne) 1568223974.0
@kathrynw5 This was such an easy situation for him to appear to be an actual person with people he cares about--and… https://t.co/c95OZa37kT— C.Mon (@C.Mon) 1568237413.0
Trump just said “she has a son” about Melania….. That about sums up his whole philosophy on parenting. Which also… https://t.co/bQaYnzI7oI— Karen won't "Move on" (@Karen won't "Move on") 1568222907.0
@TrueFactsStated She’s “got a son together” and a husband who has nothing together.— Trent Capelli 🇨🇦 (@Trent Capelli 🇨🇦) 1568226571.0
@TrueFactsStated When asked about the condition of his frontal lobe, @realDonaldTrump produced this image: https://t.co/BW5fZ1aU56— James A. Young (@James A. Young) 1568226736.0
Alas, poor Barron. Perhaps he's been tossed aside like the other oft-forgotten Trump child, Tiffany.
The book Golden Handcuffs: The Secret History of Trump's Women is available here.
********
Listen to the first four episodes of George Takei's podcast, 'Oh Myyy Pod!' where we explore the racially charged videos that have taken the internet by storm.
Be sure to subscribe here and never miss an episode.