President Donald Trump on Friday described the questions he faced during his cognitive tests, pushing back against repeated concerns about his mental fitness and health while speaking to an audience in New York. Trump referred to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a test used to check for signs of cognitive impairment. He said the questions started relatively simple but became more difficult.
“They had tough questions,” Trump said. “You have a bear, a snake, an elephant, and a horse — name the horse.”
He went on to describe more challenging parts of the test, including math problems that required quick calculations.
“Pick a number, sir. Okay. 203. Multiply times 9. Divide by 2. Add on 1,324. Subtract 1,292. Sir, multiply it out one more time by 19. What is the answer, sir?” Trump recalled.
“And I got it right!”
Trump claimed he had “aced” the test all three times he took it.
“And the one doctor said, I’ve been doing this test for 20 years. I’ve never seen anybody ace it,” he added. “So I’ve taken it and I’ve aced it all three times, I’ll tell you. Because it is a positive thing. Nice to be smart!”
He criticized the New York Times for its coverage of the test in 2020, saying the newspaper only focused on the easier initial questions and ignored the harder ones later in the exam.
Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing questions about his physical and mental health, particularly as he navigates his second term. Just earlier on Friday, his comments about “knowing” his son for a long time sparked fresh online discussion about possible cognitive slips. The White House has consistently pushed back against such concerns, insisting the president is in excellent health.
During the speech, Trump once again contrasted himself with former President Joe Biden, whom he has frequently criticized on competency grounds.
“Biden wouldn’t even get the first question. I don’t think he can get them! Which is the bear? Which is the horse?” Trump said.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment typically includes tasks such as identifying animals, drawing a clock, remembering words, and performing simple math. A perfect score is 30, with scores from 26 to 30 considered normal.
Trump first revealed he had taken the test during his 2020 campaign, using it to counter questions about his mental sharpness. He has continued to reference the test positively in public appearances. The latest comments reflect Trump’s ongoing effort to address speculation about his health as he deals with multiple domestic and international challenges, including the war with Iran and domestic economic pressures.