Trump credits drinking milk for cognitive test success, says 'I’ve aced every one of them'

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump is known for making light-hearted remarks during media interactions and has repeatedly linked his personal habits to his performance on cognitive tests. Once again, the president surprised many by saying that drinking milk played a role in his strong results.

The comments were made during a press event on Wednesday, January 14. Trump was speaking to reporters while signing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. As he addressed the media, he highlighted milk as a key contributor to his overall health and mental sharpness.

He was joined at the event by neurosurgeon Ben Carson. During the interaction, Trump posed an unexpected question, asking whether milk could help support cognitive abilities. Carson responded affirmatively. Trump then expanded on his claim, saying that, in his view, a simple glass of milk was one of the key factors behind his robust functioning.

Trump links milk to cognitive test success

While signing a bill allowing schools to offer whole and 2 per cent milk, Donald Trump paused to engage those standing beside him. Turning to Ben Carson, he posed a playful question: “So, milk could help your cognitive ability?” Carson, the neurosurgeon who served as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development during Trump’s first term, did not hesitate and agreed.

Trump then connected the comment directly to himself. Speaking to reporters, he said, “Take a cognitive test? I’ve taken a lot of them,” before adding, “I’ve aced every one of them because I drink milk.” The remark shifted the tone of the event.

The comments also connected to earlier statements about his health. In April 2025, White House physician Sean Barbabella released a memo following Trump’s annual physical. The report described the president as being in “excellent health.” According to the memo, Trump shows “robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function.”

Barbabella also cited lifestyle factors, writing that “His active lifestyle continues to contribute significantly to his well-being.” The memo noted that Trump’s daily routine includes meetings, public appearances, press interactions, and frequent golf victories.

It concluded by stating, “President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Head of State,” as reported by NBC News.

Trump’s latest bill focuses on children’s health

Donald Trump signed a bipartisan bill allowing schools across the United States to serve whole milk and 2 per cent milk. The decision removed earlier rules from the Barack Obama era that limited students to fat-free or low-fat milk only. The law is called the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act.

The bill was signed during a ceremony in the Oval Office, attended by dairy farmers, milk industry supporters, and lawmakers from both parties. According to USA Today, Trump’s decision to sign the bill came as part of a broader shift in national nutrition policy.

A few days earlier, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced new dietary guidelines. The updated plan moves away from the traditional food pyramid and places greater emphasis on full-fat dairy, protein, and what the administration calls “healthy fats.”

Trump referenced this shift during the signing event. “With this legislation, schools will finally be able to expand their offerings to include nutritious whole milk,” he said. He added, “It's the perfect follow-up to the new real food pyramid.”