Several leading Democrats have openly questioned former President Donald Trump’s mental health, claiming that he may be suffering from dementia — an accusation the White House has firmly denied. Over the past few weeks, these remarks have sparked heated debate about Trump’s fitness to serve, particularly as he remains a dominant figure in U.S. politics.
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Pritzker Says Trump “Out of His Mind”
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was one of the first to make the allegation. Speaking to the Chicago Tribune on Tuesday, he said, “This is a man who’s suffering dementia.” Pritzker strongly criticized Trump for deploying the National Guard into Democratic-led cities, adding, “He doesn’t read, he doesn’t know anything current. Something stuck in the recesses of his brain drives him to target blue cities.”
Moreover, Pritzker doubled down on his comments during an event hosted by the Minnesota Star Tribune. When asked why Trump keeps sending troops to blue states, he replied sharply, “Aside from the fact that he’s out of his mind and has dementia? It’s clear he’s targeting Democratic cities, especially those in blue states.”
In addition, the Illinois governor suggested Trump’s behavior resembled that of authoritarian rulers. Speaking to CBS News last week, he claimed, “It appears Donald Trump not only has dementia set in, but he’s copying the tactics of Vladimir Putin.” He also urged consideration of the 25th Amendment, which allows removal of a president deemed unable to fulfill their duties.
Gallego Echoes Growing Concerns
Meanwhile, Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego expressed similar worries. In an interview with The Independent’s Washington bureau chief, Eric Garcia, Gallego reacted to Trump’s claim that his administration was “negotiating right now” with Democrats during a federal government shutdown. The senator, who previously called Trump an “idiot,” went even further this time, implying that the former president’s mental clarity is rapidly deteriorating.
Furthermore, Gallego warned that Trump’s unpredictable behavior could undermine national stability, adding that leaders should “not ignore what’s obvious to everyone watching.”
Other Democrats Speak Out
In recent weeks, other Democrats have joined the chorus of concern. For instance, Representative Madeleine Dean of Pennsylvania labeled Trump “unhinged” and “unwell” during a heated exchange with House Speaker Mike Johnson. The confrontation, which was caught on camera, quickly went viral and intensified public debate.
In California, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office — known for trolling Trump online — even told him to “take your dementia meds” in a social media post last month. Although intended humorously, the remark fueled discussions about whether such concerns have a factual basis.
Likewise, Robert Reich, former U.S. Labor Secretary, argued in an opinion piece that “Trump is showing growing signs of dementia.” He wrote, “He’s increasingly unhinged. He’s 79 years old with a family history of dementia. He could well be going nuts.” Reich’s comments have since been shared thousands of times, amplifying the national conversation.
In addition, Representative Jasmine Crockett of Texas has questioned Trump’s cognitive state for months. In a previous MSNBC interview, she said, “The fact that no one is questioning his mental acuity or fitness to serve is beyond wild to me.”
White House Issues Firm Denial
Despite these escalating accusations, the White House insists that Trump remains healthy and capable of serving. Officials have attributed his visibly swollen feet and ankles to chronic venous insufficiency, a circulatory condition that causes poor blood flow from the legs back to the heart.
Moreover, they explained that the bruising on his hands results from a combination of aspirin use and frequent handshaking, not neurological decline. The administration maintains that these issues are cosmetic and unrelated to any cognitive disorder.
However, the accusations continue to draw attention. Many Americans have begun questioning whether Trump’s physical and mental health might affect his ability to lead should he return to office. Despite ongoing speculation, the White House continues to describe him as “fit, active, and mentally sharp.”
An Intensifying Debate
Ultimately, the discussion over Trump’s health has become a political flashpoint. Supporters argue that Democrats are exploiting age-related stereotypes to discredit him, while critics insist the concerns are legitimate given his erratic behavior.
As the 2025 presidential campaign heats up, Trump’s physical and mental fitness will likely remain a defining topic — one that both his allies and opponents will use to rally voters. Consequently, this ongoing controversy highlights how questions of health, power, and trust intertwine in modern American politics.
