Fact Check: Is Trump's 'perfect score' on his cognitive test proof of his 'extreme intelligence'?
WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump claimed that he answered all questions correctly on a recent cognitive test, describing it as proof of his mental sharpness amid ongoing public scrutiny of his cognitive health.
However, the statement quickly drew attention and skepticism, with some medical analysts questioning the interpretation of his reported results.
So, did Trump actually achieve a perfect score on the test? Here’s what the facts show.
Claim: Trump says he scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on a cognitive test
President Donald Trump claimed on Saturday that he answered all questions correctly on a cognitive test, a statement he made amid ongoing public discussion about his mental sharpness.
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."
He presented the result as evidence of his cognitive ability and suggested it was uncommon for others to achieve similar scores.
He also used the post to criticize political opponents, writing, “Are the Dumocrats really surprised? In fact, this is my fourth such test, all PERFECT or, 120 correct answers out of 120 questions asked!"
Trump added, "It is very rare that anyone gets a Perfect Score, especially when achieved four times in a row. All people running for President and Vice President should be forced to take high difficulty Cognitive Tests. Congress, and the Dumocrats, should demand it!"
Fact Check: Trump’s cognitive function was 'within normal limits'
Trump underwent his latest cognitive test on May 26 during his annual medical examination at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
The test, known as the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), is commonly used by doctors to check for signs of cognitive decline and conditions such as dementia.
Although Trump described his results as showing “extreme intelligence,” medical experts have clarified that the MoCA is not an IQ test and does not measure intelligence.
Instead, it is designed only to detect possible cognitive impairment.
A White House memo released after the exam said Trump’s cognitive function was “within normal limits” and noted that he scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on the assessment.
The memo also reported that Trump underwent several other health checks, including tests for heart health, eye health, and lung function.
His weight was recorded at 238 pounds, which is 14 pounds higher than his April 2025 visit, and his resting heart rate was 73 beats per minute. The neurological screening, including the cognitive test, was reported as normal.
The MoCA test itself is a 30-point screening tool designed specifically to detect early signs of dementia or cognitive decline.
Its creator, Dr Ziad Nasreddine, has stated that it is not intended to measure IQ or intelligence. In medical practice, a score of 26 or higher is considered normal, meaning no signs of cognitive impairment.
A perfect score of 30 indicates normal cognitive performance but does not suggest exceptional intelligence.
Experts emphasize that Trump’s score shows he does not display signs of cognitive decline, but it does not provide evidence of “extreme intelligence,” as the test is not designed for that purpose.
