Summary: Ty Cobb, a former White House special counsel (2017–2018), said on MSNBC that President Trump has shown a "palpable" cognitive decline, pointing to a nearly two-hour press conference marked by trailing speech and abrupt topic shifts. Several medical experts and members of Trump’s family have raised similar concerns. The White House dismissed Cobb with a sharp rebuke, and questions remain after the administration described the president's October MRI as a "preventative" measure.
Former White House Lawyer Says Trump Shows a “Palpable” Cognitive Decline After Rambling Press Conference
The president trailed off mid-sentence and often suddenly switched topics at Tuesday’s press conference as he bragged that the father of Renee Good was a “fan” of his, reminisced on childhood memories, and whined about not getting the Nobel Peace Prize. / Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
Ty Cobb, who served as White House special counsel during Donald Trump’s first administration, told MSNBC’s Ari Melber that the president has experienced a "palpable" cognitive decline. Cobb criticized Trump’s nearly two-hour press conference, saying portions were incoherent and reflected what many physicians and experts describe as dementia-like symptoms.
Cobb’s Assessment
Speaking on The Beat, Cobb—who served as special counsel from 2017 to 2018—said he believes Trump’s behavior represents a significant change. "He’s always been driven by narcissism. But I think the dementia and the cognitive decline are palpable, as do many experts, including many physicians," Cobb said.
"I don’t think there’s anybody outside of the United States who believes that Trump is sane," Cobb told Ari Melber.
Highlights From the Press Conference
During the news conference, the 79-year-old president at times trailed off mid-sentence, changed topics abruptly, and made unusual remarks—including declaring that "God is very proud" of his first year back in office and again suggesting he might try to seize Greenland. At one point he boasted that the father of Renee Good, who was recently shot by an ICE agent, was a "fan" of his; he also complained about not receiving a Nobel Peace Prize.
Responses and Expert Opinion
The 79-year-old president has repeatedly dozed through public appearances in his second term. / Andrew Harnik/Getty
White House Communications Director Steven Cheung responded to Cobb’s remarks with a sharp retort to The Daily Beast, calling Cobb "an eternal stain on the great name he shares with a baseball legend" and saying he "should change his name to Ty Loser."
Medical professionals have increasingly weighed in on Trump’s public behavior. Psychologist Dr. John Gartner told The Daily Beast Podcast he has observed a "massive increase" in what he regards as clinical signs of dementia, pointing to nonsensical remarks, sudden topic shifts and apparent memory lapses. Members of Trump’s family have also publicly raised concerns, saying they have observed behaviors similar to those seen in relatives who developed dementia.
MRI Disclosure and Ongoing Questions
In October, the president disclosed that he had undergone an MRI during a physical examination. The White House initially declined to explain the reason, later calling the test a "preventative" measure due to his age—an explanation that prompted immediate skepticism from some medical experts.
Context
Trump, the oldest person to assume the U.S. presidency, has faced growing public scrutiny about his cognitive health during his second term. The debate includes differing views from political allies, critics and medical observers; Cobb’s comments add a prominent former administration voice to that conversation.
Note: This article reports claims and opinions made by Cobb and other commentators. Medical diagnoses should be made by qualified clinicians after direct evaluation.
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