🟠 Moderate Evidence
President Donald Trump’s recent claims about achieving “extreme intelligence” on cognitive testing have sparked medical debate about what these assessments actually measure. According to The BMJ analysis of his 26 May physical examination, Trump scored 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA).
Key takeaways
- Trump scored a perfect 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment during his routine physical examination
- White House physician Sean P. Barbabella reported Trump’s cognitive performance “fell within normal ranges”
- Trump claimed on Truth Social that his perfect score demonstrated “extreme intelligence”
What the White House Medical Report Shows
White House physician Sean P. Barbabella published his report on Trump’s cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and overall physical function on 30 May. As part of the neurological component, Trump’s cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
“Trump’s cognitive performance, measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, fell within normal ranges, achieving a perfect score of 30/30,” Barbabella recorded in his medical report.
Trump’s Claims About the Test Results
In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Unlike other U.S. Presidents, none of whom have ever taken an approved, high difficulty, Cognitive Test, I scored a perfect 30 out of 30, considered ‘extreme intelligence.'”
According to The BMJ’s analysis, Trump described the cognitive tests as “high difficulty” and claimed they demonstrated “extreme intelligence.”
What The BMJ Analysis Reveals
The BMJ examined what Trump’s test results actually indicate. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment is a cognitive screening tool, and according to The BMJ’s fact-check, the assessment evaluates basic cognitive functions rather than measuring intelligence levels.
Presidential cognitive assessments have become increasingly scrutinized, with routine physical examinations for older leaders typically including neurological screening.
What this means
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump’s doctor report about his cognitive test?
White House physician Sean P. Barbabella reported that Trump achieved a perfect score of 30/30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, with performance falling “within normal ranges.”
What did Trump claim about his test results?
Trump posted on Truth Social that he scored “a perfect 30 out of 30” on what he called a “high difficulty, Cognitive Test,” claiming this was “considered ‘extreme intelligence.'”
When did Trump take this cognitive assessment?
The cognitive assessment was part of Trump’s routine physical examination conducted on 26 May, with results published by the White House on 30 May.
As The BMJ’s fact-check demonstrates, there remains significant discussion about the interpretation and public communication of cognitive assessment results in political contexts.
Source: Trump fact check: Did the president’s health check show “extreme intelligence”?
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Disclaimer. This article is health journalism intended for general information and education. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your individual circumstances. Full disclaimer →
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Medically reviewed by Prof. Giorgi Pkhakadze, MD, MPH, PhD. Spotted an error? Contact the editorial team.
