Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, has come under scrutiny again, this time for alleged memory issues, as highlighted by journalist and author Ramin Setoodeh. Setoodeh, who penned the book Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass, recently shared his experiences interviewing Trump, claiming the ex-president had significant difficulties with his memory.
In a June 17 appearance on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Setoodeh discussed his observations from multiple interviews conducted with Trump in 2021. He revealed that despite spending extensive time with Trump, the former president struggled to remember him. "Donald Trump had severe memory issues," Setoodeh stated. "As the journalist who spent the most time with him, I have to say, he couldn't remember things. He couldn't even remember me."
Setoodeh detailed an encounter where, after an hour-long interview in May 2021, he met Trump again several months later, only to be met with a "vacant look" from Trump, who seemingly did not recognize him. This claim adds to ongoing concerns and speculations regarding Trump's cognitive health, especially given his age and the stress associated with his roles in business and politics.
The allegations have been vehemently denied by Trump's campaign representatives. Steven Cheung, Trump's communications director, dismissed Setoodeh's claims, stating, "President Trump was aware of who this individual was throughout the interview process, but this 'writer' is a nobody and insignificant so of course he never made an impression." Cheung further criticized Setoodeh, accusing him of succumbing to "Trump Derangement Syndrome."
This isn't the first time Trump's memory has been questioned. Recently, during a speaking engagement on June 15, Trump mistakenly referred to Dr. Ronny Jackson, his former chief medical adviser, as Ronny Johnson. This incident has fueled further speculation about his cognitive abilities.
Despite these concerns, Trump has previously boasted about his cognitive health, particularly his performance on a cognitive test administered at Walter Reed National Medical Center in 2020. "It was 30 or 35 questions. The first questions are very easy. The last questions are much more difficult," Trump told Fox News, recounting his ability to recall a sequence of words in order, which he claimed impressed the medical professionals.
Setoodeh's book delves into Trump's transformation from a reality TV star to a political figure, examining how his time on The Apprentice shaped his public persona and political trajectory. The book aims to provide insights into Trump's personality and the media strategies that propelled him to the White House.
The revelations by Setoodeh add a layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse about Trump's suitability for another presidential run. Critics argue that understanding his cognitive state is crucial for voters, given the responsibilities and pressures of the presidency. "I think that the American public really needs to see this portrait of Donald Trump because this shows what he is like and who he is and who he has always been," Setoodeh emphasized.
On the other hand, Trump's supporters and campaign team continue to reject any claims of cognitive decline, attributing such assertions to political bias and an attempt to undermine his credibility. The debate over Trump's memory and cognitive health is likely to persist as he remains a prominent figure in American politics.
