president Donald Trump Speaking to an audience on Friday, he described the types of problems he encountered on cognitive tests. Speaking in New York, Trump shared details about the test to examine mental function or cognition.
His comments come amid repeated concerns about the Republican president’s health. Just today, Trump responded to his remarks I have “known” my son for a long time sparking discussion about his health. However, the president and the White House have long insisted that all is well. Trump had earlier said he had also scored “highly” on the cognitive test and claimed all presidential and vice presidential candidates should take the test.
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Here’s what Trump had to say about his cognitive testing issues.
Trump on cognitive testing issues: Watch
Trump said there were some difficulties with the testing. “They asked tough questions. You have a bear, a snake, an elephant and a horse – name the horse,” he can be heard saying in one video.
In another video, he described how the questions were indeed harder than that and slammed the New York Times for its coverage of his cognitive test news. In 2020, The New York Times published article on what cognitive testing typically entails, noting that Trump has already taken one. “To assess attention and concentration, subjects were read a list of five-digit numbers and asked to repeat them in the order presented and then in reverse order. Subjects were also asked to count backwards from 100 in increments of seven each time,” the report states.
“Other exercises include drawing a clock with hands pointing to 11:10 and identifying a lion, rhinoceros or camel. The maximum score is 30. Scores between 26 and 30 are considered normal,” it added.
Possibly referring to the article, Trump said the New York Times had reported on his cognitive testing, but they only discussed the first question. The president claimed that they did not discuss the latter issue.
“Sir, pick a number. Okay. 203. Multiply by 9. Divide by 2. Add 1,324. Subtract 1,292. Sir, multiply by 19. What’s the answer?” Trump said, remembering the question he was asked. “I guessed it right!” he replied.
“One doctor said, I’ve been doing this test for 20 years. I’ve never seen anyone get a good result,” Trump further said. “So I took it and I’ve aced it three times, I’ll tell you that. Because it’s a positive thing. It’s nice to be smart!” he also said.
Notably, Trump turns to cognitive testing after questioning former president Joe Bidenability, claiming he didn’t know everything he signed and blaming the automatic pen in the process. In his speech today, Trump again lashed out at his Democratic predecessor.
“Biden won’t even answer the first question. I don’t think he can answer it! Which is the bear? Which is the horse?” he said.
