Former US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions with Democratic lawmakers after mocking their suggestion that he should take a cognitive test. The controversial remarks came in response to comments made by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and Jasmine Crockett, who questioned Trump’s mental acuity.
Trump’s Provocative Taunt
Trump, known for his combative style, took to social media to dismiss the Democrats’ challenge. "Maybe they should take the test first," he quipped, implying that his political opponents lacked the intelligence to assess his cognitive abilities.
AOC and Crockett Fire Back
The remarks quickly drew sharp responses from AOC and Crockett, both prominent progressive voices in Congress. AOC accused Trump of deflecting serious concerns about his fitness for office, while Crockett labelled his comments as "typical playground tactics" from a former president unwilling to engage in substantive debate.
Growing Debate Over Cognitive Tests
The exchange highlights an ongoing debate in US politics about the use of cognitive assessments for ageing leaders. Trump previously boasted about acing a cognitive test during his presidency, but critics argue such tests are insufficient to evaluate a leader’s decision-making capacity.
As the 2024 election looms, this clash underscores the deepening partisan divide and raises questions about how mental fitness will factor into the campaign.
