Donald Trump has taken a cognitive test three times.
Posted by Badlands Media, Checked
- Sources
- 2 support5 context
- Said
- 1 time·
- Confidence
- 50%
Badlands MediaOct 15, 2026
The post's own account (three tests, with the last at a recent physical) matches what Trump has repeatedly said, but the sources only independently document about two tests: a 2018 test confirmed by his physician, and a 2025 test he mentioned at his first second-term physical.
What was said
… That's why no other president has taken this test. So here's their, their genius, because here's what happens: I took it once, I aced it. I took it again, I aced it, and I took it fairly recently, my last physical, I aced it. Here's what they said: What's wrong with the president? Why does he continue to take the cognitive test? There's something wrong with him. Why is he taking this test three times? These people are genius. They're sick. …
Badlands Media · · from the transcriptPost →What we found
Supports. A 2018 cognitive test at Walter Reed is documented: his physician at the time confirmed he requested it, and Trump later described how he aced it.[2][3]
Supports. NPR reported that Trump said a cognitive exam was part of his first physical of his second term in April 2025, which would be a second documented test.[3]
Context. Trump said he took a second test at his end-of-2023 physical, which would make three, but the White House did not provide details and no independent record confirms it.[2][4]
Context. Most sources repeating the 'three times' count (Reuters, Independent, Nine, AlternNet) only relay Trump's own statements, which is circular evidence and cannot corroborate the number.[1][5][6][7]
Context. The sources do not contradict the claim. No authoritative source says Trump took fewer than three tests, so the count is unconfirmed rather than false.
Sources
7 sources: 1 fact-checker, 2 tier 2, 4 not rated
- 1Trump revives praise for his health, cognitive test in post ...reuters.com · fact-checker · cited for: context
- 2Trump claims he ‘aced’ cognitive test but offers no proofcnn.com · tier 2 · cited for: supports, context
- 3Trump says he took a cognitive test during his physical : NPRnpr.org · tier 2 · cited for: supports
- 4Should presidential candidates have to prove mental fitness?deseret.com · not rated · cited for: context
- 5Trump roasted over Cabinet meeting ‘cognitive test’ boast ...independent.co.uk · not rated · cited for: context
- 6'Which is the squirrel?': Trump brags of acing cognitive testsnine.com.au · not rated · cited for: context
- 7Trump repeats same story over and over as signs of deterioration ...alternet.org · not rated · cited for: context
Where this claim was made
Said in 1 published post
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