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Trump calls for forced cognitive tests for presidential and veep candidates
US President Donald Trump said any Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate must undergo cognitive tests prior to running for office. He claimed to have taken the test three times and aced it. The remarks followed Rep. Jamie Raskin's call for a cognitive test and a prior December health briefing confirming his physical health.
Why It Matters
The proposal signals a push to publicly assess the mental fitness of top U.S. candidates and raises questions about health disclosures in political messaging.
Timeline
3 Events
Trump suggests cognitive tests for presidential and veep candidates
April 30, 2026
US President Donald Trump said that any Presidential or Vice Presidential candidate must go through cognitive tests prior to running for the posts, and he claimed to have taken the test thrice and aced it.
Raskin calls for cognitive test for Trump
April 30, 2026
Maryland Democratic Representative Jamie Raskin called on the White House physician to conduct a cognitive test of President Trump amid his rhetoric about a potential U.S. war with Iran, according to CNN.
White House health briefing confirms Trump in normal health
December 1, 2025
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump was in normal physical health. She described the executive physical, noting advanced imaging was normal and that there was no evidence of arterial narrowing or major health concerns; overall health was described as excellent.