Former President Donald Trump expressed his opposition to implementing age restrictions on politicians while endorsing the idea of mandating competency assessments for candidates. These remarks were shared during an interview with Kristen Welker at his Bedminster, New Jersey property, which was previewed on the NBC show “Meet the Press.”
During the interview, moderator Kristen Welker raised the issue of age limits, particularly in light of the potential 2024 presidential race matchup between Trump, who is 77, and President Biden, who is 80.
“You know, I took a test two years ago, three years ago,” Mr. Trump responded. “And as the doctors said — and it was in front of doctors and a whole big deal at Walter Reed, which is an incredible place.”
“And I aced it,” he continued. “I get everything right. I’m all for testing. I frankly think testing would be a good thing.”
Although there are concerns that implementing age restrictions or cognitive assessments could be deemed “unconstitutional,” Trump expressed uncertainty regarding this matter. He also underscored the accomplishments of global leaders in their 80s.
“[You] know, some of the greatest world leaders have been in their 80s,” Trump told Ms. Welker. “I’m not anywhere very near 80, by the way.”
“I don’t think Biden’s too old, but I think he’s incompetent, and that’s a bigger problem.”
Should Trump secure victory in the 2024 elections, he would approach the age of 80 within the initial 18 months of his term. Conversely, Biden would reach the age of 82 at the start of a potential second term.
Biden’s cognitive acuity has been the subject of frequent scrutiny due to instances of memory lapses and pauses in his speeches.
Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley has emerged as a prominent proponent of cognitive assessments for American politicians. Although she hasn’t endorsed the idea of age restrictions, she has put forth legislation that would require presidential candidates and members of Congress who are over the age of 75 to undergo competency evaluations.
In recent weeks, amid health-related questions concerning Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California, Haley characterized the U.S. Senate as “the most privileged nursing home in the country.”
“It’s sad,” Ms. Haley said. “No one should feel good about seeing that any more than we should feel good about seeing Dianne Feinstein, any more than we should feel good about what’s happening or seeing Joe Biden’s decline.”
