US President Donald Trump faced renewed scrutiny over his cognitive health after struggling to recall the word “Alzheimer’s” while speaking about his father, Fred Trump, in an interview withNew York Magazine. The 79-year-old paused mid-sentence while discussing his father’s medical history but reassured viewers that he does not have the neurological disease and described his health as “perfect.”
Trump recounted that his father, who lived to 93, developed Alzheimer’s in his late 80s but remained otherwise healthy. When the President paused while describing the condition, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt supplied the word “Alzheimer’s,” which Trump then repeated.
The interview immediately sparked reactions on social media, with critics questioning whether the hesitation was a verbal lapse or indicative of broader cognitive concerns. Supporters dismissed the incident as a normal moment in unscripted speech.
White House officials were quick to defend the President. Communications Director Steven Cheung emphasized that Trump remains in “perfect physical and cognitive health,” while Leavitt highlighted his stamina and work ethic. Trump himself has previously posted on Truth Social that he “aced” his cognitive tests for the third consecutive time.
The scrutiny over Trump’s health comes amid a broader focus on the mental and physical fitness of senior political leaders. Past public moments, including stumbling while boarding Air Force One, brief dozing during meetings, unexplained bruising, and swelling in his ankles, have fueled speculation. Despite this, Trump maintains that he feels “the same as I did 40 years ago” and continues to assert his strong cognitive and physical health.
