United States President Donald Trump claims there is no way he could forget the name of a fallen soldier because he has "one of the great memories of all time".
Widow Myeshia Johnson said the President rang to offer his condolences this week after her husband Sergeant La David Johnson was killed during an ambush in the African country of Niger this month.
But Ms Johnson said Mr Trump did not remember her husband's name, while congresswoman Frederica Wilson, who was riding in a limousine with Ms Johnson at the time of the phone call, claimed Mr Trump said Sergeant Johnson "knew what he signed up for".
Mr Trump has defended himself in a media conference, saying he respected Ms Johnson and did not forget the name of her husband.
He has also said Ms Wilson "totally fabricated" her story.
"I can only say this, I was really nice to her [Ms Johnson], I respect her, I respect her family, I certainly respect La David, who by the way I called La David right from the beginning," he said.
"Just so you understand, they put a chart in front 'La David', it says 'La David Johnson'.
"So, right from the beginning there was no hesitation, one of the great memories of all time. There was no hesitation."
Mr Trump said he had never met Ms Johnson, but believed she was a nice woman and spoke highly of her to reporters.
"I think she's a fantastic woman, I was extremely nice to her, extremely respectful," he said.
The same day Mr Trump called Ms Johnson, he phoned families of three other soldiers who also died in the ambush.
"I would say basically we talk condolence. I mean, it's all about condolence, it's about warmth," he said.
Mr Trump said while he was on the phone, he mainly listened.
"One of the families was saying, 'Yes, he's a great football star', and honestly they pour their heart out," he said.
"It's the hardest calls, they pour their heart out.
"But I am always, and look, you people have called many people that I have spoken to and every one of them have said I couldn't be nicer."
Mr Trump reiterated he respected the families and said, "Nobody has more respect than I do. Nobody".
