Why POTUS’ Credit Card Got Declined

“I went to a restaurant up in New York during the UN General Assembly and my credit card was rejected. It turned out I guess I don’t use it enough, so they thought there was some fraud going on,” he said, as he signed as executive order to tighten security on debit and credit cards that transmit federal benefits. “Fortunately, Michelle had hers. I was trying to explain to the waitress, ‘No, I really think that I’ve been paying my bills,’” he said.

The lack of use of the card could indeed have been one factor, but the President’s name was likely another factor. Along with Donald Duck and Sylvia Cyber, the name of the current U.S. President is often flagged as potentially fraudulent, at least enough to merit a quick phonecall verification. And if it turns out to actually be the President? He likely has other ways to pay.