American officials quickly discovered a major snag in planning for the summit: summertime is peak tourist season in Alaska, and options both available and equipped to host the two world leaders were severely limited.

While introducing members of his Cabinet during the signing of an executive order related to the 2028 Summer Olympics, Trump referred to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem—who was standing just feet away—as “Cristie Kerr,” the name of a professional golfer.

Even as the president has repeatedly groused about Putin’s “bulls--t” and double talk, the administration believes Putin has given signs that demonstrate this time is different.