“He’s not even the Trump of 2024” — GOP strategist says Trump’s mental sharpness has declined so badly he might not even make it through another four years
A prominent Republican strategist has raised alarms over what he describes as a rapid “cognitive decline” in President Donald Trump, warning it could ultimately prevent him from completing a full second term in office.
Speaking to Times Radio, Rick Wilson—co-founder of the Lincoln Project—did not mince words, claiming that Trump is no longer the commanding figure he once was on the political stage. According to Wilson, the former president’s speech patterns, memory recall, and overall coherence have taken a stark downturn.
“He is incoherent,” Wilson said. “His inability to articulate any thought or position without constant asides, constant lapses… this is not the Trump of 2015, nor is he the Trump of 2020. He’s not even the Trump of 2024.”
Wilson argued that the signs go beyond minor slips and verbal gaffes. He likened the changes in Trump’s behavior and communication style to early indicators of dementia—a view he says is shared by several neurological professionals, though he emphasized that he’s not a doctor himself.
While these claims continue to generate attention, the official word from the White House offers a different story. In April, Trump’s physician, Captain Sean Barbabella, declared the president in “excellent cognitive and physical health” following his routine medical evaluation.
Still, Wilson remains unconvinced, noting Trump’s age and lifelong indulgence in unhealthy eating habits as red flags for his future stamina and mental endurance.
“He’s a guy who’s subsisted off of McDonald’s and Kentucky Fried Chicken and well done steaks for a very long time,” he said. “He is not a healthy guy.”
“Whether he makes it through four years is an open question,” Wilson said. “Given the pace of the decline that we’ve seen… I think he’ll be pretty much checked out by the middle of this second term.”
Trump has continuously brushed off concerns regarding his mental fitness, often citing his performance on previous cognitive tests as proof of his sharpness.
“I don’t know that he’s going to ever be told by anyone, ‘Sir you’re not healthy, you can’t do this anymore,'” Wilson said, predicting internal strife on the horizon. “But I think by the end of this, you’re going to be in a civil war with the MAGAs to choose a successor.”
These remarks come amid broader concerns within the political sphere, as both major parties face increasing scrutiny over the age and mental capabilities of their leading figures. Recent headlines have also spotlighted alleged efforts to hide signs of cognitive decline in former President Joe Biden during the latter part of his term.
As the nation approaches yet another high-stakes election, debates around leadership stamina, mental clarity, and the rigors of the Oval Office are becoming central to the political discourse—setting the stage for a turbulent road ahead.
Note to our readers: We understand some may question the validity of this report. The information above is compiled from verified international and independent news outlets, including The Times, Politico, and NBC News. All claims have been fact-checked against multiple reliable sources to ensure accuracy and transparency.
