Broadcast journalist Jim Acosta has claimed Donald Trump is "undoubtedly" in cognitive decline. In a chat with fellow broadcast journalist John Harwood on media outlet Zeteo, he accused the US President of "malignant narcissism" adding: "There's no question... about his cognitive decline and whether he's just a man in decline. I think that's undoubtedly the case. I mean, if we're not going to believe our own eyes and ears anymore... This is the stuff that they're waving in everybody's face about Joe Biden, and Joe Biden was not falling asleep all the time in front of the cameras the way Donald Trump is. I mean, it's kind of embarrassing."
Harwood and Acosta Highlight Physical Signs
Harwood chimed in: "You've got the bruised hands, you've got the neck and got the face, one side of the face is sagging..." Acosta responded: "Yeah. He got played by the Iranians, got played by the French, he got played by Netanyahu. You know...if you don't laugh at it, it's a very dangerous moment... that I think we're in the middle of right now," he said.
Mary Trump's Concerns Echoed
His remarks echo those of Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump, a psychologist and author, who said her uncle's "decaying" health can no longer be overlooked and suggested he is trapped in a "downward spiral". Writing in her weekly newsletter, on June 23 she raised fresh concerns about the 80-year-old president amid ongoing speculation surrounding his wellbeing.
Referring to what she described as his erratic conduct, late-night social media activity and the faltering Iran peace deal, she wrote: "He may still have moments when he appears more coherent, but psychologically he's in a downward spiral. He's experiencing constant narcissistic injuries, and nothing terrifies Donald more than humiliation."
White House Response
White House spokesman Steven Cheung hit back strongly at the claims, dismissing Mary Trump's assessment and branding her a "stone-cold loser who doesn't have a clue about anything".
