President Donald Trump made headlines on Monday, October 27, after seemingly mischaracterizing a cognitive screening test as an IQ exam while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One. The 79-year-old president referenced the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a tool used to detect early signs of dementia, while challenging Democratic Representatives Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to take the same test. Trump described the exam as “very hard” and suggested it demonstrated his intellectual aptitude.
The remarks have drawn scrutiny from medical professionals and political commentators alike.
President Donald Trump spoke to reporters aboard Air Force One on October 27, 2025, where he discussed a recent cognitive screening test taken at Walter Reed Medical Center. He referred to the test as an IQ exam, while mocking Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, calling them “low IQ” and suggesting they could not pass the same assessment. Trump’s comments were in reference to the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a tool used to evaluate cognitive function, not intelligence.
Test Description and Public Remarks
- Test: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- Purpose: Screen for dementia and Alzheimer’s symptoms
- Format: Tasks include identifying animals, drawing shapes, and memory recall
- Trump’s description: “A tiger, an elephant, a giraffe… when you get up to 10 and 20 and 25, they couldn’t come close.”
Trump also revealed he underwent an MRI as part of a routine physical, stating:
“I got an MRI, it was perfect.”
Quotes and Reactions
From Trump’s remarks via People:
“Let AOC go against Trump. Let Jasmine go against Trump.”
Medical experts have clarified that the MoCA is not an IQ test. Dr. Sanjay Gupta told CNN:
“This is not a measure of intelligence. It’s a clinical tool for cognitive screening.”
Political analysts noted the confusion could fuel further debate about Trump’s health and communication style. Critics also pointed to the inappropriate use of medical assessments for political comparison.
Political and Public Response
Trump’s comments have reignited discussions about age and cognitive health in politics. While the president has previously touted his performance on cognitive exams, conflating them with IQ tests may raise concerns about public understanding of medical evaluations.
The remarks also drew backlash for targeting elected officials with personal insults, potentially escalating partisan tensions ahead of the 2026 midterms.
What’s Next: Medical Transparency and Political Fallout
The White House has not issued a formal clarification regarding the nature of Trump’s test. Further details may emerge in upcoming press briefings or medical disclosures.
Trump is scheduled to attend a summit in Tokyo later this week, where health and leadership topics may again surface.
