Former President Donald Trump, now 78, has been declared in “excellent health” by his medical team following a detailed examination in April 2025. With 14 specialists involved, Dr. Sean Barbabella affirmed Trump’s strong cardiac, neurological, and general physical condition. Trump has reportedly lost 25 pounds, shown improved cholesterol levels, and displayed no signs of major cognitive impairment.

The assessment also reviewed mental wellness markers like anxiety and depression. Trump’s active lifestyle was praised for aiding his health, and aside from some sun damage and ear scarring from the 2024 assassination attempt, no concerns were reported. But despite the clean bill of health, not everyone is convinced — especially critics who question his cognitive clarity.

Rick Wilson, Republican strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, raised serious concerns in a Times Radio interview. He accused Trump of being incoherent and claimed his speech patterns show signs of verbal lapses and confusion. “His inability to articulate any thought without digression is alarming,” Wilson argued.

Wilson emphasized that passing a cognitive screening doesn’t rule out early dementia. He claimed experts are seeing signs of decline in Trump’s public behavior — particularly his rambling speeches and inconsistent messaging. According to Wilson, what tests may miss is often evident in real-time performance.

Journalist Timothy L. O’Brien added fuel to the debate, saying Trump fears repeating the cognitive decline his father, Fred Trump, suffered. O’Brien speculated that Trump’s talk of a third term stems more from fear than ambition, hinting he may not follow through on another run — but may not admit it either.

This latest health report marks a change in strategy. Unlike in 2016 and 2020, Trump’s 2025 update was notably detailed. Past reports were vague and sparse. His campaign claims the new transparency is a response to public demand and pressure to match opponent scrutiny.

Trump’s campaign director, Steven Cheung, defended the disclosures and criticized Kamala Harris for lacking Trump’s stamina. He insisted Trump has maintained an “unmatched” campaign schedule that proves his readiness to lead again.

Yet, despite doctor support, the real test — critics say — isn’t medical paperwork, but what Americans see every day. Is Trump still fit to lead, or is cognitive decline quietly taking root?