Donald Trump Declared in “Excellent Health” — But Critics Say There’s More to the Story

Former President Donald Trump recently received a clean bill of health from his doctors, with the White House medical team calling him “fit to serve.” But not everyone is convinced — especially longtime Republican strategist Rick Wilson, who claims Trump may be showing signs of serious mental decline.

As the 2024 election aftermath continues to ripple through political circles, Trump’s April 2025 health report has reignited debate about whether he’s truly up for another term.

What the Doctors Are Saying

Trump, now 78, underwent an extensive health evaluation involving 14 medical specialists. According to Dr. Sean Barbabella, the president exhibits “robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and general physical function,” adding that Trump’s “active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being.”

The screening included tests of motor skills, reflexes, sensory responses, and mental wellness markers such as anxiety and depression. Trump was reported to have lost around 25 pounds since his previous term, improved cholesterol levels, and no signs of concerning neurological impairment.

“He’s in excellent health,” Barbabella confirmed, noting only minor sun damage and scarring on Trump’s ear — a lasting reminder of the 2024 assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania.

But Behind the Scenes, Critics Aren’t Convinced

Despite these glowing reports, Rick Wilson — co-founder of The Lincoln Project — is urging Americans to look beyond official documents. In a Times Radio interview, Wilson didn’t mince words:

“He is incoherent,” Wilson said. “His inability to articulate any thought or position without constant asides, constant lapses, the verbal aphasias he is experiencing at various points.”

Wilson, a longtime Trump critic, insists the former president is no longer mentally sharp enough to serve another four-year term.

“Whether he makes it through four years is an open question,” he added.

Is This Cognitive Decline?

Wilson emphasized that just because someone passes a cognitive screening doesn’t mean they’re immune to age-related decline.

“There are an awful lot of professionals in the world who are looking at the same set of behaviors and saying, ‘This is what we see in early dementia cases.’”

He points to Trump’s rambling speeches and inconsistent messaging as red flags, arguing that test results don’t always capture what’s unfolding in real time.

The Ghost of Fred Trump

Veteran journalist Timothy L. O’Brien echoed Wilson’s concerns during an appearance on MSNBC’s The Weekend: Primetime. He shared that Trump is deeply “haunted” by his father’s descent into dementia — and fears experiencing a similar fate.

O’Brien noted that Trump’s recent hints about seeking a third term are more than political theater. He believes Trump is operating out of either “self-aggrandizement or self-preservation.”

“I don’t think he’ll actually pursue another term,” O’Brien said, “but he may not admit it until it’s too late.”

The Shift in Trump’s Medical Disclosure Strategy

Trump’s 2025 medical report marks a notable shift in transparency. During his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, health updates were often vague, usually consisting of a few flattering sentences. This time, however, the report was far more detailed — likely in response to mounting public pressure.

Notably, Trump had promised a full medical disclosure during the 2024 election cycle but relied instead on supportive statements from longtime physician allies. One such letter from Dr. Bruce Aronwald, released in November 2023 — coinciding with President Biden’s 81st birthday — stated Trump was in “excellent” health but provided few details.

Trump’s campaign director, Steven Cheung, defended the approach, stating:

“President Trump has voluntarily released updates from his personal physician, as well as detailed reports from Dr. Ronny Jackson… All have concluded he is in perfect and excellent health to be Commander in Chief.”

He also criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, Trump’s main opponent at the time:

“He’s maintained an active campaign schedule unlike any in history, whereas Kamala Harris has been unable to keep up with the demands of campaigning.”

So, What’s the Truth?

Trump’s 2018 cognitive screening — often touted by allies — remains the most publicly detailed evaluation of his mental state. But between then and now, no other cognitive test results have been released.

While Trump’s doctors continue to stand by their assessment, critics like Wilson argue that the real test isn’t on paper — it’s playing out in public, day after day.

Is Trump still fit to lead, or is something being overlooked?

As the debate over presidential fitness heats up again, the question remains: can Donald Trump truly handle another term? Or is it time to stop relying solely on test results and start paying attention to what we see with our own eyes?