In a recent interview, former President Donald Trump weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding President Joe Biden's age and fitness for office. While Trump acknowledged that age can be a factor in one's cognitive abilities, he was quick to separate Biden's age from his perceived competence, or lack thereof.
"Age is interesting because some people are very sharp, and some people do lose it, but you lose it at 40 and 50, also," Trump remarked during his appearance on SiriusXM's "The Megyn Kelly Show." He further elaborated, "But no, he's not too old at all. He's grossly incompetent."
The age debate has been a recurring theme in political circles, especially given that Biden, at 80, is the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency. Trump, who is 77 and has hinted at a potential run in 2024, would also be in his 80s by the end of a hypothetical second term.
Trump's comments come at a time when polling data suggests that a portion of Americans believe Biden might be too old for the presidency. However, Trump countered this narrative by pointing out that many individuals, including some of his friends and notable world leaders, have remained sharp well into their 90s.
"No, not, not for the reason of 'old,'" Trump emphasized when asked about the public's concerns regarding Biden's age. He added, "I have friends, Bernie Marcus, that are in their 90s and they're sharp as a tack. They're just, I mean, I would say just about what they used to be. No, not old. He's incompetent."
Drawing historical parallels, Trump cited figures like Winston Churchill, suggesting that many world leaders have demonstrated exceptional leadership and wisdom in their 80s. "You know, there's a great wisdom if you're not in a position like him. But if you go back 25 years, he wasn't the sharpest tack either," Trump quipped, taking a jab at Biden's past.
The former president also took issue with a recent Wall Street Journal poll that questioned voters about his own age and mental acuity. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump expressed his displeasure, writing, "In a phony and probably rigged Wall Street Journal poll, coming out of nowhere to softened the mental incompetence blow that is so obvious with Crooked Joe Biden, they ask about my age and mentality. Where did that come from?"
The interview with Megyn Kelly marks a significant moment, as it's the first time the two have spoken since their public feud during Trump's 2016 campaign for the GOP's presidential nomination.
As the 2024 elections approach, the age and competence debate is likely to remain a hot topic, with both supporters and critics closely watching the moves of potential candidates.
