Donald Trump says his brain is perfectly fine

On Sunday, 30 November, former United States President Donald Trump dismissed concerns regarding his mental acuity, joking with reporters that there was “absolutely no problem” with his brain. Speaking in characteristic light-hearted fashion, Trump claimed that his recent medical tests had yielded “perfect” results, though he later clarified that the assessment in question was not a brain MRI.

Instead, the 77-year-old former president referred to an intelligence test he had undertaken, boasting that he had achieved a remarkably high score—a level he suggested few others could match. Trump’s quip comes amid ongoing public curiosity and debate over his cognitive fitness.

Questions about Trump’s mental state first gained widespread attention during his initial term in office. Michael Wolff’s controversial book Fire and Fury, published in 2018, alleged that Trump displayed significant mental health issues and frequently repeated statements, prompting scrutiny from both the media and the medical community.

Despite these concerns, White House physician Dr Ronny Jackson consistently reported that Trump’s overall health was “excellent.” Notably, the routine physical examinations conducted during Trump’s presidency did not include any formal cognitive or mental health assessments, leaving a gap in the public record regarding his mental fitness.

Following these omissions, a number of medical professionals and health officials formally wrote to Dr Jackson, urging a comprehensive evaluation of the former president’s cognitive health. In their correspondence, they emphasised that individuals aged 66 and older should undergo regular mental assessments in addition to physical examinations, citing the importance of early detection of age-related cognitive decline.

While Trump’s comments were clearly delivered with humour, they reignite a conversation that has persisted since his tenure in the Oval Office. Mental health experts note that intelligence tests alone cannot provide a full picture of cognitive function, and that comprehensive assessments are necessary to evaluate memory, executive function, and other critical areas of brain health.

The former president’s remarks also illustrate his longstanding tendency to address controversies with self-deprecating wit, often deflecting serious inquiries with jokes or exaggeration. Whether the public or medical professionals will be satisfied with his latest assurances remains to be seen.