Growing Concern Over Trump’s Mental Health

Concerns over age and cognitive ability have once again entered the public discourse in the United States, this time surrounding President Donald Trump. In the 2024 election, then-President Joe Biden had stepped aside as a candidate amid questions about his age and mental fitness, paving the way for Vice President Kamala Harris to run as the Democratic nominee. Trump ultimately won that election as the Republican candidate.

However, just one year into Trump’s current term, polls indicate that Americans are increasingly worried—not only about his performance in office but also about his mental and physical capacity to serve effectively. Unlike Biden at the time he stepped down, the concern is mounting gradually but steadily. While Biden was 81 when he exited the race, Trump is currently 79, and questions about his fitness are becoming more prominent.

Recent surveys show that a significant portion of the American electorate now questions Trump’s competence, with even some Republican supporters expressing unease. The most striking survey emerged just before Trump delivered his first State of the Union speech of his second term, a record-breaking 1 hour and 47 minutes address to Congress.

Key Poll Findings

These figures indicate that even Trump’s core supporters are becoming concerned. Among Republicans, confidence in his mental fitness has dropped from 75% to 66%, and confidence in his physical fitness from 65% to 55%. This suggests that roughly three in ten within his own base harbour doubts about his ability to lead.

Why Are Concerns Rising?

Political analysts suggest that declining popularity is amplifying these doubts. As voters become increasingly critical of Trump’s overall performance, seemingly minor mistakes—such as confusing Iceland with Greenland, discussing marks on his hands, alleged public dozing, delays in releasing medical information, and the frequency of his public appearances—take on greater significance.

While Trump frequently boasts about passing cognitive tests, the mounting doubts echo patterns seen with previous elderly presidents. Notably, at comparable points in Biden’s term, skepticism about his mental and physical capacity exceeded 60%. Currently, Trump’s perceived mental sharpness stands at 56%, roughly the level Biden faced during his presidency at a similar age.

It is clear that history is repeating itself: the nation’s oldest elected president is confronting the same scrutiny and concern about fitness that his predecessors once faced, and the issue continues to shape public opinion in the lead-up to future electoral contests.