A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll found that majorities believe Trump lacks physical health (51%) or mental sharpness (56%) to carry out his duties effectively. Similarly, a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll reported that 51% of Americans say Trump's mental fitness is a real concern about his ability to be president. A Reuters-Ipsos poll further found that 61% of respondents agreed Trump has 'become erratic with age,' including 30% of Republicans. The same poll showed that the percentage of Americans who agree Trump is 'mentally sharp and able to deal with challenges' dropped from 54% in September 2023 to 45% in a recent survey.
According to Dr. Tracy King, a clinical psychologist, Trump's late-night social media posts may signal cognitive concerns. Dr. King said the posts are characterized by real-time communication, high volume, overnight timing, and intensity, suggesting nervous system activation. She also noted that Trump's signing off as 'President DONALD J. TRUMP' with his name in capitals reinforces his identity and places focus on him as an individual.
I have to be careful because if I trip or fall, it's a big deal. I'm like Biden, but I'm not as bad as him.
Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin has sponsored a bill to set up a commission to assess Trump's fitness for office under the 25th Amendment, according to multiple reports. Raskin also wrote a letter to White House physician Captain Sean P. Barbabella requesting a cognitive exam for Trump, citing signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline. In his letter, Raskin pointed to Trump's profane Easter tirade against Iran and his behavior at the Easter Egg Roll as examples of incoherent and volatile statements.
Trump himself admitted during a CNBC interview that he has to be careful to avoid a trip or fall, comparing himself to Joe Biden. Political commentator David Pakman said Trump suffered a 'complete and total collapse' on live TV and that admitting fear of falling can trigger medical intervention. The White House has said that the bruising on Trump's hand is due to aspirin use and frequent handshaking, and Trump has been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, according to multiple reports.
If you don't make a deal, we will destroy your power plants and bridges. We will bomb the hell out of you.
Several experts have offered diagnoses based on public behavior. French neuropsychiatrist Boris Cyrulnik described Trump as not mentally ill but a 'psychopath' driven by impulses due to a developmental disorder, according to Daily Express - World. Former White House attorney Ty Cobb told Daily Express - World that Trump's cognitive decline has 'accelerated' and he shows signs of dementia. Cobb also told The Independent - Main that Trump is 'clearly insane' but the cabinet will not invoke the 25th Amendment. Psychologist Dr. John Gartner told Daily Express - World that Trump has been showing signs of frontotemporal dementia since 2019 and his deterioration is accelerating. MS NOW medical analyst Dr. Vin Gupta told Daily Express - World that Trump is exhibiting all the signs of dementia.
The White House has dismissed critics. White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said they suffer from 'Trump Derangement Syndrome' and praised Trump's sharpness and energy. White House physician Captain Sean Barbabella said in a memo last year that Trump is in 'excellent health.'
The president is sharp, energetic, and more than capable of leading this country. Those who say otherwise are suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome.
Media commentary has amplified the concerns. NBC host Katy Tur questioned Trump's mental acuity live on air, citing polls showing 56% of Americans doubt his mental sharpness and 60% say he is becoming more erratic. Political commentator David Pakman also weighed in, describing Trump's behavior as a 'complete and total collapse.'
Trump's volatile threats have been cited as evidence of instability. On Truth Social, Trump threatened to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if a deal is not reached, using profane language. Raskin pointed to this tirade as an example of incoherent and volatile statements.
The president is in excellent health and fully capable of carrying out his duties.
Comparisons with perceptions of Joe Biden's mental fitness reveal a complex picture. According to the same PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll, 43% of Americans say the same of Trump, while 84% of Republicans question Biden's fitness. Nearly two out of three Democrats say concerns about Biden are simply campaign rhetoric. Among independents, by more than a two-to-one margin, they are more likely to say Biden's mental fitness is a real concern than a political strategy. However, independents' view of Trump is more evenly split, 48% to 42%. Additionally, 45% of the Silent and Greatest Generations question Biden's fitness, while 14% are unsure.
Several unknowns remain. The exact medical diagnosis for Trump's cognitive and physical health has not been publicly confirmed. It is unclear whether the White House will release a comprehensive health report or allow independent cognitive testing. The political impact of these concerns on the 2024 presidential election is also uncertain, as is whether Representative Raskin's bill or letter will lead to any formal action regarding the 25th Amendment.
Trump's cognitive decline has accelerated. He shows clear signs of dementia.
He is clearly insane, but the cabinet will not invoke the 25th Amendment.
Trump is not mentally ill, he is a psychopath driven by impulses due to a developmental disorder.
The bruising on Trump's hand is due to aspirin use and frequent handshaking.