WASHINGTON (VINnews) — President Donald Trump renewed his call Friday for mandatory cognitive testing for all presidential and vice-presidential candidates, saying mental fitness should be a basic requirement for holding the nation’s highest offices.
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In a message posted on his social media platform, Trump said doctors have told him he is in excellent health and that he has successfully completed a cognitive exam multiple times. He argued that similar testing should be required for anyone seeking the presidency or vice presidency, saying the country cannot be led by people who are mentally unfit.
The remarks come as Trump, who is 79, continues to face questions about age and health. He has long argued that the news media applied far less scrutiny to similar concerns during the presidency of Joe Biden, accusing reporters of a double standard.
Trump has sought to counter those questions by highlighting his schedule, frequent public appearances and medical evaluations. He has said he voluntarily took a cognitive test, which he described as challenging, and said he answered all questions correctly.
Recent reporting by The Wall Street Journal detailed aspects of Trump’s health routine, including his belief that genetics play a key role in his stamina. The report said Trump takes a daily full-dose aspirin and briefly used compression socks to address ankle swelling that doctors attributed to chronic venous insufficiency, a common condition in older adults.
Trump has said the swelling has improved and reiterated that he does not follow a traditional exercise regimen aside from playing golf. He has also said he underwent a CT scan during a visit to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, with his physician saying the results showed no cardiovascular abnormalities.
Trump framed his call for cognitive testing as part of a broader argument for transparency, saying voters deserve clear information about the health and mental capacity of those seeking to lead the country.