Fact Check: Did Trump say he 'probably' wouldn't have rescued 10-year-old from drowning?
WASHINGTON, DC: Following his recent meeting with Ryder Williams and Nathaniel Rai, the boy rescued from drowning, social media users are claiming that President Donald Trump said that he probably wouldn't have rescued Rai from drowning. The claim has sparked outrage and speculation, with many calling for a fact-check.
Claim: Donald Trump said he wouldn't have rescued Nathaniel Rai from drowning
Rumors began circulating online this month, claiming that Trump said of the 10-year-old Rai's ocean rescue, "I don't know if I'd do it. I wouldn't, probably."
The president allegedly remarked while hosting Rai and the 16-year-old lifeguard, Williams, at the White House on Monday, August 17.
A Facebook post that shared Trump’s alleged statement wrote, “This afternoon, at the White House, Trump hosted a lifeguard, a 16-year-old lifeguard, who saved 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, looking to get a little good PR with a feel-good event to honor a real hero."
"Of course, he then immediately ruined it by telling the kid he wouldn't have saved him. ‘I don't know if I'd do it,’ the president said. ‘I wouldn't, probably. You're lucky I wasn't on the service that day.’”
The claim has also spread on Instagram, Bluesky, and Reddit, sparking speculation.
Fact Check: Donald Trump indeed said it
The claim is indeed true, as Trump did make the statement. The recorded live stream of the interaction confirms this, where the president can be heard saying, “He's a real hero. You know, when you see that. I don't know if I'd do it. I wouldn't, probably.”
Trump appeared to direct the remark at the audience, then turned to Rai and continued, "You're lucky I wasn't on the service that day.”
In full context, Trump’s remark suggests that he considered carrying out the rescue but concluded he probably wouldn't have, rather than outright refusing to do so.
It is also unclear what Trump meant by this or whether he meant it as a joke.
Donald Trump praised the teen for the California rescue
After the rescue incident in California gained traction, the president wrote on social media, “We're going to bring this heroic young man, and his family, into the White House with, perhaps, the boy he saved, to give him a High Civilian Honor. Very brave, he deserves it!"
Trump's post was followed by an earlier post by Eric Trump, who shared the video of the rescue along with the caption, “Give this 16-year-old lifeguard the highest civilian honor. This is truly the best of America! Well done!”
