During a press conference at the White House, President Donald Trump told reporters that he recently took a mental fitness test and claimed he achieved a “perfect score.” He described the test as difficult and even “risky,” suggesting that other former presidents like Barack Obama and George W. Bush had refused to take it because of how challenging it was.
Trump spoke proudly about his results, saying that the doctor who administered the test told him it was extremely rare for anyone to get a perfect score.
He repeated several times that he “got the highest score,” adding that hearing this from the doctor made him feel very good about himself. He also told reporters that if he hadn’t done well, they would have been quick to report it, implying that his success proved his mental sharpness and intelligence.
However, after his comments were shared online, people across social media reacted with disbelief and heavy criticism. Many accused Trump of exaggerating or making things up to boost his image.
A number of users pointed out that cognitive tests are not meant to be bragged about since they are usually used to check for early signs of memory or thinking problems, not as a measure of intelligence or academic achievement.
One social media user, Marie Blanchard, who said she was a military veteran and takes yearly cognitive exams because of a brain injury, wrote that Trump was “lying,” explaining that such tests do not actually provide a score the way he described. Others echoed her point, saying Trump’s claim didn’t match how cognitive assessments really work.
Actor Chris Pereria compared Trump’s tone to that of an authoritarian leader, saying he sounded like “the leader of North Korea.” Another social media user, podcaster Jackson McCurry, mocked Trump by posting a meme of the movie character Ron Burgundy from Anchorman with the caption, “I don’t believe you.” Political commentator Vince Wilson added that Trump’s comments actually made it seem like he “didn’t do too well on the test” because of how defensive and boastful he sounded..
Many people noted that Trump’s focus on proving his mental fitness has been a recurring theme throughout his political career. Critics argued that his repeated need to publicly insist on his intelligence and stability only draws more attention to doubts about them. Supporters of the former president, however, saw the comments as proof of his confidence and said the media was unfairly attacking him once again.
The moment quickly became another flashpoint in the ongoing debate about Trump’s health and behavior. While Trump framed his remarks as evidence of strength and competence, many saw them as yet another example of his habit of exaggerating personal achievements to impress his audience. The discussion continued online for hours, filled with jokes, memes, and arguments about whether the president’s claims could be trusted at all.
