The Hidden Implications of Repeated Cognitive Boasting: A Closer Look at Trump’s Mental Health
What may seem like a harmless boast during a public speech could, in some cases, reveal deeper concerns—especially when it comes to something as sensitive as cognitive health.
This is the theory presented by psychologist Dr. John Gartner in a recent interview, where he analyzed President Trump’s repeated references to his performance on cognitive tests.
Specifically, Trump’s frequent mentions of his perfect scores on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) seem to go beyond mere confidence, raising questions about his mental well-being and the possibility of ongoing monitoring for early signs of dementia.
The Unspoken Implication of Repeated Cognitive Claims
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is often used as part of routine checks for cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. However, Dr. Gartner suggests that the frequency with which Trump has referenced the test signals more than just periodic screenings—it could be part of a larger effort to track his cognitive state over time. As he pointed out, “If you give someone the MoCA once as part of an age-related check, that’s fine. But when you do it three times, it’s no longer just screening—it’s tracking.”
This repeated emphasis on passing the test may be a sign of insecurity or anxiety about cognitive decline. Instead of presenting these tests as one-off achievements, Trump’s focus on MoCA results over a span of months could indicate that he is being regularly assessed for potential dementia or other cognitive impairments. Dr. Gartner elaborated that the act of bringing up these tests so often may stem from the president’s underlying fear of losing mental clarity, something which could affect his public image and his political career.
The Dangers of Overconfidence in Public Claims
While it’s not uncommon for individuals to feel proud of passing cognitive assessments, Trump’s detailed public boasting raises questions. His statements about finding the MoCA test “very difficult,” and his emphasis on how he answered every question correctly, might be masking deeper concerns. It’s important to consider that public displays of confidence could often be a defense mechanism against fear, particularly when the topic is something as sensitive as mental health.
Dr. Gartner suggests that such behavior can sometimes “give the game away” by unintentionally exposing underlying anxieties. The more someone draws attention to a specific area of vulnerability—like mental fitness—the more it can signal that they are not as confident in that area as they appear. In Trump’s case, the repeated bragging about acing the MoCA test could indicate a deep-seated fear of cognitive decline.
Tracking Cognitive Health: A Closer Look at Monitoring Methods
Dr. Gartner’s speculation about routine cognitive testing and even advanced imaging procedures, such as MRIs, further underscores the possibility that the president’s medical team is keeping a close watch on his mental state. Monitoring could be part of an effort to identify early signs of dementia or cognitive decline, particularly given the advanced age of the president and the high-pressure nature of his job.
As Dr. Gartner pointed out, significant shifts in speech patterns, such as speaking more rapidly or with increased activity, could also be red flags indicating a change in mental health. Such behavioral changes often warrant closer scrutiny, and in Trump’s case, they could be tracked against previous baselines to detect shifts in cognitive abilities.
The DOJ Photo Controversy: Adding Scrutiny to the Narrative
In addition to concerns over Trump’s cognitive health, there has been controversy surrounding the Department of Justice’s handling of a photograph involving Trump and the late financier Jeffrey Epstein. The photo, which had been temporarily removed from a DOJ document release, sparked accusations of a cover-up, though the DOJ later clarified that the image was flagged due to victim protection concerns.
This controversy, combined with the ongoing public scrutiny of Trump’s mental health, further complicates the conversation around his cognitive state. Legal experts, survivors, and political figures alike have expressed concerns about the transparency of these actions and the broader implications of the DOJ’s decision-making. In this climate, questions surrounding Trump’s health, both mental and physical, are only heightened by the contentious nature of his political and legal battles.
Conclusion: A Story of Health, Perception, and Politics
While debates around President Trump’s cognitive health continue, Dr. Gartner’s observations provide a compelling perspective on how repeated public claims about cognitive assessments may reveal more than a simple desire to boast. These patterns, combined with the growing controversies involving the DOJ, highlight the delicate intersection between health, public perception, and political strategy.
Whether these signs point to genuine concerns about Trump’s mental well-being or reflect a more calculated approach to managing his public image remains to be seen. But for now, they offer a reminder that what we say—and how often we say it—can often reflect what we fear the most.