New Delhi, October 17, 2025 — A short video clip showing President Trump struggling to pronounce a fertility drug name has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion and a mix of reactions online. The incident occurred during a public address focused on policy changes to expand access to In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatments in the United States.
The President stumbled over the name of the drug Pergoveris, a fertility medication currently marketed in Europe, which he mentioned while discussing FDA plans to expedite review and approval. In an attempt to keep the moment light, Trump paused mid-sentence and joked, “Why can’t you name them nice, simple names? Doesn’t matter. If it works, that’s all we care about.”
The Moment Captured and Shared
During the Oval Office address, the President’s brief struggle and self-deprecating remark created an instantly shareable moment. Social media users quickly clipped the segment, uploading it to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms. The video racked up millions of views within hours, with hashtags highlighting the verbal stumble trending globally.
Many viewers treated the clip as a relatable human error, while others criticized the President for appearing unprepared during a policy-focused speech. News outlets and online commentators amplified the moment, making it the dominant story, even though the underlying policy was substantive.
Polarized Social Media Reactions
The video triggered divided opinions online. Supporters praised Trump’s charisma and quick humor, highlighting that the drug’s complex name was not critical to understanding the policy. Many argued that the President’s brief pause did not undermine the broader announcement about enhancing fertility benefits for American couples.
Critics, however, seized the opportunity to mock the stumble. Comments circulated questioning whether Trump had been adequately briefed and pointing to a perceived lack of preparation. Captions such as “Was he even briefed?” and “Focus, please” became widespread across X and Instagram, highlighting public skepticism.
Policy Overshadowed by Viral Clip
While the viral moment dominated online conversation, the administration’s IVF policy reforms—including urging employers to provide fertility benefits and speeding up drug approvals—were largely overshadowed. Analysts note that this reflects a common trend in political media, where memorable short clips often eclipse substantive policy discussions.
The irony is that an announcement intended to help American families plan for children and expand access to IVF treatments became a topic of social media humor and debate, showing the power of digital platforms in shaping public perception.
Why This Moment Matters
Experts say this incident demonstrates how quickly political messaging can be reframed by social media. Even well-intentioned policy announcements can be reduced to a viral meme if a brief, humanizing, or humorous moment occurs.
For Trump, the moment has amplified public visibility while sparking discussions on both leadership style and communication skills. Meanwhile, advocates for the IVF policy emphasize the importance of focusing on the substantive benefits being delivered to American families.
