Nephew of Donald Trump, expresses concerns about his uncle’s mental fitness, citing a family history of dementia.
Fred Trump III, nephew of President Donald Trump, is sounding the alarm about his uncle’s mental state, citing a family history of dementia as a cause for concern.
In a recent interview on The Dean Obeidallah Show on SiriusXM, Fred didn’t hold back as he discussed what he believes are signs of cognitive decline in the former president. His remarks follow the release of his new book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way.
“I know what I saw in my grandfather,” Fred said, referencing Fred Trump Sr., Donald’s father, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for eight years before dying in 1999. “Donald claimed he was ‘tiptop until the end,’ but that just wasn’t true.”
Claims of Decline: “He Just Can’t Stick to a Message”
Fred III also mentioned other relatives, like Donald’s cousin John Walters, who he says also dealt with dementia. Drawing parallels, he described how Donald Trump has appeared more confused, unfocused, and erratic in recent public appearances.
“He used to be able to stick to a message. Now he just rambles,” Fred noted. “The things he’s saying and the way he’s saying them—it’s not the same.”
Mary Trump Shares Similar Worries
Fred’s concerns echo those of his sister, Mary Trump, a psychologist and frequent critic of her uncle. Both siblings have questioned the president’s behavior and endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.
Their criticism comes as Trump continues to attack President Joe Biden’s mental fitness—an issue he made central in the last campaign. Now, the conversation is flipping, with some voters and experts turning the spotlight back on Trump.
Expert Weighs In
Dr. Jennifer R. Mercieca, a communications professor at Texas A&M University, told The Daily Beast that Trump’s current behavior may indicate something deeper:
“His inability to stay focused or complete a thought gives the impression that he may be experiencing cognitive decline. His thinking doesn’t seem structured or disciplined.”
White House Responds: Trump “In Excellent Health”
Despite the criticisms, White House physician Dr. Sean Barbarella pushed back on any suggestion of decline. He said Trump scored 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)—a test commonly used to detect early signs of cognitive issues.
“The President remains in excellent health,” Barbarella said in a statement.
Still, the conversation about Donald Trump’s mental acuity—and his family’s history of cognitive issues—is unlikely to fade as the 2024 campaign heats up.
