Trump Hosts Teen Who Saved Boy from Riptide, Jokes He Wouldn't Have

Nathanial, wearing a dark suit and maroon tie, sat on a gold couch next to his father, Sumit, and Trump. Williams sat across from them.

Sumit Rai told the Associated Press he could never repay Williams. "What he did, I can never repay. I'm forever grateful," he said.

The rescue has also revived a California debate over whether lifeguards should be classified as first responders. State Senator John Laird told NBC Bay Area that while lifeguards clearly respond to emergencies, the designation would require deciding what training standards apply. "How does it work? How does it get designated? What training comes with it? Who pays for it?" Laird said.

Washington correspondent Jackie DeFusco asked Trump about a congressional effort to give open-water lifeguards first-responder status, which could unlock federal programs and benefits. Trump said he was hearing about the proposal for the first time but would support examining it. "I'd like to put my weight behind it. So let's take a look at it. Very important," he said.