UPDATE: Frequent cognitive check-ups for Donald Trump are raising concerns about his mental health, with experts suggesting these assessments are more about monitoring an existing condition than initial evaluations. Psychologist Dr. John Gartner revealed that Trump’s repeated tests signal an urgent need to track cognitive decline rather than simply assess it.
Dr. Gartner spoke to The Daily Beast about the implications of Trump undergoing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment three times. He stated, “If you’re giving it to him three times, that means you’re not assessing dementia. That means you’re monitoring dementia.” These assessments are reportedly being conducted every six months to gauge the progression of potential dementia or strokes.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by Trump’s own comments. While aboard Air Force One, he claimed he “got every answer right” on the cognitive test, boasting about his mental acuity. In an April 2023 statement, he emphasized that he passed a “very hard” test, asserting that “a low IQ person” could not succeed.
In his October remarks, he referenced the cognitive test again, stating, “Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump,” highlighting his belief in the difficulty of the questions. Dr. Gartner argues that these statements reveal a deeper issue, suggesting a potential change in Trump’s cognitive ability.
Notably, Gartner mentioned, “You could maybe justify giving someone the MoCA once, just on their age, just as part of a physical.” However, the frequency of these tests implies ongoing concerns. He explained, “If you keep feeling like, no, he’s still got the symptoms, we’ve got to see how bad he’s doing now,” indicating a troubling trajectory for Trump’s health.
As discussions around Trump’s health intensify, we must consider the implications of his cognitive state on his role as a public figure. This development is crucial as it raises questions about mental fitness in leadership positions.
Next steps remain unclear, but ongoing assessments will likely continue to be scrutinized in the coming months. Public interest in Trump’s mental health is at a peak, and as more information emerges, it is essential to stay updated on this developing story.
The urgency of these findings cannot be overstated, as they may impact not only Trump’s political future but also the broader conversation about mental health in leadership. As we await further updates, the situation remains fluid and critical.
