Donald Trump has once again responded to ongoing discussions about his health, taking to Truth Social to say he recently completed several cognitive tests, which he claims he passed with top results.
The 79-year-old, who will turn 80 soon, used the platform on Thursday to highlight what he described as his strong mental sharpness. He also suggested that anyone running for president or vice president should be required to take a cognitive exam before entering the race.
According to Trump, such a requirement would help avoid unexpected election outcomes, referencing figures like Barack Obama and Joe Biden. In the same post, he stated that he had taken the test three times during his time in office and performed exceptionally well each time, even incorrectly referring to having served three terms as president.
He described his performance as a rare achievement, claiming doctors told him it was unusual to do so well.
However, some experts have pushed back on these claims.
Although Trump did not specify which test he took, it is widely believed to be the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a screening tool commonly used to detect potential cognitive decline.
The MoCA is designed to be relatively simple for individuals in good health. It is typically used when there are concerns about memory or thinking ability, or sometimes as part of routine checks for older adults.
Clinical psychologist Dr. John Gartner explained that doing well on such a test is not considered a major accomplishment. Passing it generally indicates that a person does not show clear signs of severe cognitive impairment, but it does not necessarily rule out early-stage issues.
He noted that the tasks involved—such as drawing a clock, identifying animals, or repeating numbers—are basic and only raise concern if someone struggles to complete them.
In recent weeks, public discussion about Trump’s cognitive fitness has increased, especially following a speech in which he appeared to confuse Ukraine and Iran.
Adding to the conversation, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth avoided directly answering a question from Congress about whether he believes the president is mentally fit to serve. During a House Armed Services Committee hearing, Representative Sara Jacobs asked about the president’s stability, but Hegseth responded by shifting the focus to whether former President Joe Biden had faced similar scrutiny.
