In this video from July 16, 2025 President Donald Trump tells some apparently false facts about his paternal uncle, John G. Trump, who died in 1985 .
How do you respond to someone who has a mistaken memory of events? Correct them? Tell them what the actual facts are? Or validate what is true and while not validating things that are not true.
One might ask what is their motive; to deceive others for some benefit, or an uninformed or mistaken memory.
Some experts recommend:
Be respectful and non-confrontational: Approach the conversation kindly. Avoid insulting their intelligence or motives, as this makes it more likely they’ll listen to what you have to say.Provide accurate information: Gently offer the correct facts, using sources that are reliable and as neutral as possible. Rather than repeating the error (which can reinforce the wrong information), focus on sharing accurate details.
Support with credible sources: Whenever possible, reference reputable organizations, academic research, or primary documents to back up your correction. Encourage them to consider the evidence directly.
Ask clarifying questions: Sometimes, people misstate facts based on misunderstandings or confusion. Asking questions like, "Where did you hear that?" or "Can we check that together?" can invite collaboration and reduce defensiveness.
Stay focused on the facts, not personal views: Distinguish between questions of historical fact and interpretations or opinions, and encourage a fact-based discussion.
Be aware of the larger context: Recognize that misinformation is sometimes rooted in broader narratives, beliefs, or power structures, especially around sensitive historical topics. Understanding this can help tailor your approach and avoid unnecessary escalation.
Video Source: YouTube/The Late Show with Stephan Colbert
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_G._Trump
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