White House mocks 'fake news' report claiming Trump mixed up Michigan congressmen at rally

At one point, Trump brought up the impeachment effort launched against him this week by Michigan Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar.

"And today they did it again," Trump told the crowd. "Some guy that I've never heard of."

"John James, is he a congressman, this guy?" Trump turned his head and asked Michigan Republican Rep. John James, who was reportedly in attendance, which lawmaker was trying to impeach him.

"The impeachment effort was actually launched by Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar," the report continued.

NewsNation's report initially included a subheadline labeled, "Trump mistakes Michigan Congressman who called for impeachment."

The outlet appeared to think he was referring to James as the congressman trying to impeach him, but the video showed Trump was addressing James to ask him a question.

NewsNation updated its article with a statement from the White House disputing that characterization on Wednesday.

"The President was asking John James - who was in the crowd - about Democrat Congressman Shri Thanedar. If NewsNation watched the actual exchange, they would've known that," the White House said.

Politico reported that "Donald Trump seemingly mixed up John James and Shri Thanedar" and linked to the NewsNation report. The White House comment was also included in their report.

NewsNation and Politico did not respond to requests for comment.