A former senior legal advisor to President Donald Trump is publicly questioning the president’s cognitive condition, citing what he describes as a noticeable decline in behavior and decision-making during Trump’s second term.
Ty Cobb, who served on Trump’s legal team in 2018, said in a recent television interview that even supporters should acknowledge what he called a “concerning downward trend” in the president’s mental acuity. Cobb pointed to changes in Trump’s speech patterns and conduct, arguing that the president has become increasingly impulsive and reliant on inflammatory rhetoric.
“His vocabulary has shrunk, he’s resorted to profanity and threats, totally impulsive,” Cobb said.
The remarks come amid a string of controversial incidents involving the president. In recent weeks, Trump has publicly feuded with religious leaders, including Pope Leo XIV, and made headlines for provocative statements on foreign policy. These include threats directed at Iran, comments about seizing control of Cuba, and warnings to journalists over reporting on geopolitical conflicts.
Trump has also drawn criticism for social media activity on his platform, Truth Social, including late-night posts containing explicit language. One Easter message included a direct warning to Iran over strategic waterways, ending with an unusual religious remark that further fueled public scrutiny.
Cobb contrasted the current administration with Trump’s first term, noting the absence of senior officials who he claims previously acted as internal checks. He referenced figures such as John F. Kelly, James Mattis, and Nikki Haley, who he said often intervened to moderate the president’s impulses.
“They don’t have those guardrails there today,” Cobb said.
He further warned that any potential cognitive decline could expose the president to manipulation by foreign leaders, specifically referencing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the context of recent Middle East policy decisions.
The White House sharply rejected Cobb’s claims. In a statement, spokesperson Davis Ingle dismissed the criticism and defended Trump’s leadership, asserting that the president demonstrates “sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility.”
The statement also sought to draw contrast with former President Joe Biden, accusing previous administration officials of concealing health concerns — a claim widely debated in political circles.
The controversy has also drawn international reactions. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni publicly rebuked Trump’s comments regarding the pope and the war in Iran, calling his rhetoric “unacceptable.” Trump responded in an interview with an Italian newspaper, escalating tensions with a warning about Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The unfolding dispute underscores growing political and diplomatic friction surrounding Trump’s second term, as critics — including former insiders — raise alarms about leadership stability while allies continue to defend his approach.
