Did President Trump incorrectly identify Ferdinand Marcos as the current president of the Philippines in a July 22, 2025, Truth Social post? No, that's not true: Ferdinand Marcos Jr., better known as Bongbong, was sworn in as the Philippines' 17th president on June 30, 2022. A social media post calling Trump a "demented buffoon" for claiming he just met with President Ferdinand Marcos, who died in 1989, missed the fact that his son was now president. The current President Marcos did visit the White House on July 22, 2025.
The claim that Trump mistakenly named a long-dead president appeared in numerous social posts, including a tweet (archived here) shared on X on July 23, 2025. The caption that appeared above a screenshot of Trump's post read:
This demented buffoon said he made a trade deal with President Ferdinand Marcos. Only problem is Marcos has been dead since 1989! 😂 What an embarrassment! #DementiaDon
This is what the post looked like at the time of writing:
(Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories)
Trump's post (archived here) read:
President Ferdinand Marcos, of the Philippines, is just leaving the White House, with all of his many Representatives. It was a beautiful visit, and we concluded our Trade Deal, whereby The Philippines is going OPEN MARKET with the United States, and ZERO Tariffs. The Philippines will pay a 19% Tariff. In addition, we will work together Militarily. It was a Great Honor to be with the President. He is Highly Respected in his Country, as he should be. He is also a very good, and tough, negotiator. We extend our warmest regards to the wonderful people of The Philippines!
President Trump also posted a photo (archived here) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in the Oval Office.
(Source: screenshot of X.com by Lead Stories)
The elder Ferdinand Marcos served as president of the Philippines from 1965 until 1986. He died in 1989. His son is also named Ferdinand Marcos, but most often called Bongbong.
