Trump sparks dementia concerns as he nearly forgets to sign executive order after hyping it up for days

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump is sparking concerns — this time not for what he said, but what he almost didn’t do.

At a Monday press conference meant to roll out a major executive order slashing prescription drug prices by up to 80%, the 78-year-old president hyped it as an “earth-shattering” moment — then almost forgot to sign it.

Flanked by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr and surrounded by fanfare, Trump delivered a classic speech that veered off-topic and ran over 30 minutes. Then, instead of signing the order he had been talking up for days, Trump thanked the press and began strolling toward the exit like the show was over.

Dr Mehmet Oz, Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, tapped the 78-year-old on the back and gently redirected him back to the desk, the Irish Star reported.

Donald Trump sparks concerns as he nearly forgets to sign executive order

Donald Trump’s apparent brain freeze sparked fresh speculation about his cognitive fitness and comparisons to past gaffes.

One wrote, "That happens far more often than it should," and another said, "He does this often. Is the press investigating what's wrong with him?"

"Again? How many times does he have to do that before we start seeing the 'dementia Don' stories like they did to Biden after one bad night?" a tweet read.

"He’s done that before. It’s like his primary purpose for being there was to be evasive when asked questions, tell reporters they suck at their jobs and to give someone a free pen," someone else quipped.

"Had Biden done it, now MAGA would have screamed from the top of their lungs about the 25th Amendment," another fumed. 

One more wrote, "Declining right before our eyes," and another person added, "We’ve seen this before," possibly referring to former President Joe Biden.  

An individual claimed, "He’s just doing what he’s told! No clue to what the hell he’s even signing! He does not care!!" One more said, "Advanced Dementia on full display."

This isn’t the first time it has happened. During his "Liberation Day" ceremony and signing, Trump reportedly gave his speech, waved to the crowd, and walked off stage before any executive order could get his John Hancock.

Another official had to gently steer him back to the desk. A video clip showed Trump smiling, chatting with the aide, then cracking an inaudible joke that had the crowd laughing as he finally sat down to sign the bill, as per the Irish Star. 

Inside Donald Trump's annual physical examination report

Despite the apparent stumbles, the White House insists Donald Trump’s health is just fine. After the July 2024 assassination attempt, scrutiny around Trump’s mental and physical health intensified. But by mid-April this year, the White House released a glowing medical report for the commander-in-chief.

Dr Sean Barbabella, a decorated Navy physician, said Trump is in “excellent health” and “fully fit” to lead. The report detailed that Trump had sustained scarring on his right ear during the Butler assassination attempt and had undergone a colonoscopy last summer that revealed a benign polyp and diverticulitis.

Doctors recommended a follow-up in three years. The president's medical history also includes a bout with Covid-19, and he’s currently on medications for cholesterol, cardiac prevention, and a cream for “a skin condition,” per the report. He’s also had bilateral cataract surgery in the past.

Furthermore, Trump reportedly aced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, scoring a perfect 30 out of 30. “President Trump exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the Commander-in-Chief and Health of State,” Barbabella declared.

The physician praised Trump’s “robust cardiac, pulmonary, neurological, and general physical function,” and added that his “active lifestyle” — which includes frequent golf outings — is keeping him sharp, per Time.

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