President Claims Excellent Health, But Concerns Rise Behind the Scenes
The White House and President Donald Trump both insist he’s in “excellent health.” The White House doctor agrees, reporting strong physical and neurological condition. However, a prominent Republican advisor now warns that Trump may show signs of mental decline that could prevent him from finishing his term.
The April Health Checkup: What We Know
In April, Dr. Sean Barbabella led a thorough health exam for Trump. Fourteen specialists evaluated his cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical health. They tested his reflexes, motor skills, sensory responses, mental state, and mood indicators, including depression and anxiety.
At 78, Trump is the oldest president sworn in. He doesn’t smoke or drink. He stands 6’3” and weighs about 220 pounds, having lost 25 pounds since his last term. His cholesterol levels improved. Aside from some minor sun damage on his ear—a reminder of the July 2024 assassination attempt—doctors found no major issues.
A Republican Advisor Sounds Alarm Bells
Rick Wilson, co-founder of the Lincoln Project, is sounding warnings. In a Times Radio interview, Wilson described Trump as “incoherent,” pointing to verbal lapses, constant asides, and difficulty expressing thoughts.
Wilson has observed Trump closely since 2015. He says, “The man you see today is not the Trump of 2015, 2020, or even 2024.” When asked if Trump can finish another term, Wilson replied, “Whether he makes it through four years is an open question.”
Despite official medical reports clearing Trump, Wilson remains skeptical. He argues that test results don’t always reflect real-life behavior. “Many professionals see behaviors consistent with early dementia and cognitive decline,” he said.
Cognitive Screenings Don’t Tell the Full Story
Wilson emphasizes that passing cognitive tests doesn’t guarantee freedom from age-related decline. He notes that “the ravages of age and ill health” could still affect Trump.
Veteran journalist Timothy L. O’Brien echoes this concern. On MSNBC, O’Brien said Trump is “haunted” by his father’s cognitive decline. He added that Trump’s talk of a third term may be motivated by “self-aggrandizement or self-preservation,” but doubts Trump will actually run again.
A New Approach to Medical Transparency
Trump’s April 2025 health report marked a shift from earlier campaigns. In 2016 and 2020, health updates were brief and vague. This time, the report was detailed and more strategic.
During the 2024 campaign, pressure mounted for Trump to release a full medical report. Instead, he shared letters from physicians, including Dr. Ronny Jackson, who treated him after the 2023 assassination attempt.
One letter from Dr. Bruce Aronwald in late 2023 stated Trump was in “excellent” health but lacked specific test results.
Campaign Responses and Public Skepticism
In October 2024, Trump’s campaign communications director Steven Cheung defended withholding full details, citing previous letters and praising Trump’s busy campaign schedule. He also criticized Kamala Harris for not keeping pace.
The campaign recirculated Trump’s 2018 cognitive screening, frequently cited by allies. But no new cognitive tests were made public between 2018 and 2025.
The Real Question: Does the Test Reflect Reality?
Dr. Jackson, a vocal supporter of Trump’s health, insists the president is fit. Yet, as Wilson points out, passing tests isn’t the whole story. He believes the real signs of decline are visible in Trump’s public behavior.
In summary, official reports paint a healthy picture, but some experts and observers worry that cognitive decline is already underway—and it could impact Trump’s ability to complete his term.
