DISCLAIMER: This article was first published on May 10, 2025
It happened again. During a White House event where President Donald Trump signed several bills into law, a quiet but telling moment revealed a great deal. Sitting behind the desk in the Oval Office, Trump was handed a paper. A staffer told him it was about walk-in coolers and freezers. Trump looked confused.
“What did they do?” he asked.
“What did they do?” — Trump has no idea what he’s signing and has to have it explained to him pic.twitter.com/MvzR782eAZ
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 9, 2025
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Just four words — but again, they show something people have noticed for years: Trump often doesn’t know what he’s signing.
This happened when Trump signed House Joint Resolution 24, which canceled a Biden-era rule. That rule made energy standards stricter for big commercial coolers and freezers. Biden’s plan aimed to help the environment and save businesses money in the long run. However, Republicans argued that it harmed small businesses.
When the staffer explained this to Trump, he nodded and moved on. But many are asking: Shouldn’t a president already know this before signing it into law?
This isn’t the first time Trump has reacted in this manner. In 2017, during his first term, Trump signed a bill and asked, “Is this a good one?” That moment also sparked criticism, as many said a president should understand a bill before making it official.
The new “What did they do?” moment adds to a growing list of concerns about how Trump handles the duties of his office. He’s not just signing a birthday card — he’s changing federal law. These decisions affect millions of Americans, from business owners to workers to families trying to afford energy bills.
Online, critics were quick to react.
This is so obscene…. They could put an executive order to incarcerate all Democrats in front of him and he’d sign it.
— Bill Johnson (@Bill43111) May 9, 2025
First of all, I don’t think he CAN read. Secondly, he just a puppet for the heritage foundation. Nothing more.
— Win the Era (@WinEraPolitics) May 9, 2025
Someone escort Grandpa out of the dayroom and put him back in his room. It’s almost nappy time.
— Denison Barb (@DenisonBarbs) May 9, 2025
So he just learned about a bill in real time and just signed it? LOL he’s not even in charge.
— Showtime (@showtimehcky) May 9, 2025
They explain to Donald Trump what he’s signing. Does Trump look like he understands what they are telling him. Why can’t he read it and find out before signing. They could save a step and use an Autopen.
— Laurence (Larry) Boorstein (@LarryBoorstein) May 9, 2025
It’s also strange because Trump claims he’s the most brilliant businessman in the world. He often brags about understanding every deal, but this moment made him look lost in a simple explanation of refrigeration rules.
This moment also comes at a time when Trump is being criticized for implementing huge policies with little planning—from immigration crackdowns to major tax changes. In many cases, lawsuits follow, and courts often block his orders.
A good leader should understand the rules that are in flux. A great leader should ask questions before they’re on camera with a pen in hand.
Featured image via Screengrab
