By John Q. Hosedrinker 
During a recent conversation aboard Air Force One, former President Donald Trump touted his performance on a cognitive screening test taken at Walter Reed Medical Center, while challenging Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to take the same exam. Trump seemed to be referencing the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test designed to detect early signs of dementia, which he previously scored perfectly on. Despite Trump’s claims, the MoCA’s creator clarified that the test is not designed to measure intelligence. Trump’s recent return to Walter Reed for additional medical evaluations, including an MRI, was also mentioned, although it remains unclear if he retook the cognitive test.
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Trump Brags About “Hard” IQ Test — It Was Actually a Dementia Screen
It’s truly something else, isn’t it? The way this story has played out, with the former president boasting about a “hard” IQ test, only for the reality to be revealed as something quite different: a dementia screening. The irony is practically dripping from this situation, and it really makes you wonder how we got here.
The core of the issue, as it seems, is that Trump, rather than taking a standard IQ test, actually underwent a test designed to screen for cognitive decline, specifically for signs of dementia. And the whole thing was framed, at least to him, as a way to demonstrate his intellectual prowess. The reports suggest that his physician essentially told him this was a test of his smarts. This isn’t just a misstep; it’s a fundamental misunderstanding of the process, and the purpose of the test itself. It reveals a level of disconnection from reality that’s difficult to ignore.
The details are fairly straightforward, in the retelling. The former president’s physician reportedly administered the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) during a routine checkup. The MoCA is a widely used screening tool for cognitive impairment. It is not an IQ test. The comments suggest that Trump received a perfect score. Regardless of the outcome, the very fact that this test was presented and perceived as an IQ test is the heart of the matter.
The situation becomes even more absurd when you consider his reactions and his statements. The reports that he then went on to brag about how difficult this test was is indicative of a deep-seated insecurity, or perhaps a genuine lack of understanding about what he was being tested on. It’s hard to tell which is worse: the ignorance, or the pretense of intelligence. It certainly feeds into the narrative of a man who seemingly lacks self-awareness and is easily misled.
The comments also point out how easily he seems to agree with whoever he was last speaking to. It highlights a potential lack of firmly held beliefs, an inability to recall or defend his own positions. This whipsawing behavior is a classic red flag, suggesting that his thinking might be significantly compromised. The observations about his lack of grasp on even the most basic things, like distinguishing an IQ test from a dementia screen, really drive this point home.
And, of course, the responses bring up the fact that he was the oldest president in US history. This juxtaposition is striking. It’s hard to ignore how the narrative shifted from questioning the mental acuity of his political opponents to, well, this. The comments suggest that the focus on the age of one candidate served to set the stage for later scrutiny of the other. The irony of criticizing someone for potential cognitive decline, while backing the oldest president, is not lost on many.
The comments also touch on the “Person, woman, man, camera, TV” test. That’s a test specifically designed to check for dementia. To hear Trump seemingly referencing it unprompted reinforces the idea that he might not fully grasp the nature of his own medical assessments.
Another interesting aspect that’s discussed is the possibility that the results of these tests were not made public. People are asking why medical information is not fully disclosed, and suggesting that it should be. The comments suggest the doctor may not even be free to speak about his findings openly and may face ramifications. These are valid points. In the age of transparency and public discourse, it is imperative to allow full and open medical information of the most powerful people.
The comments also get a bit into the reasons for why he has such a devoted following. They suggest that it is not about intelligence or accurate information, but something deeper. The focus is on the promise of “harm arbitrarily” and that many of his supporters “wanted to see harm arbitrarily befall people they don’t like, with no one being held accountable.” That’s a pretty harsh assessment, but it’s a viewpoint expressed by some.
Ultimately, the core of the matter remains: Trump’s misunderstanding, or misrepresentation, of this medical screening. It’s a moment that encapsulates so much about the man, and the way he operates. It’s a mix of arrogance, ignorance, and a desperate need to appear intelligent. And it’s a stark reminder of the importance of separating fact from fiction, and of taking all claims with a healthy dose of skepticism.