A Democratic politician is asking Trump’s friends in the government to talk directly to the president about his strange actions and let him know he’s not feeling well.
After Trump, who is 79, gave a long, confusing speech to military leaders earlier this week, House Speaker Mike Johnson was recorded agreeing with Democratic Rep. Madeleine Dean that the president is “unwell.”
During an interview with CNN’s John Berman, the Pennsylvania Democrat said it was very dangerous and foolish for Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to call more than 800 military leaders from around the world for a strange and wandering presidential speech.
“Taking them away from where they are working and leading, and then standing before them talking about how he walks up stairs, what wars he solved, and that he doesn’t like the design of battleships,” Dean, 66, said.
“Does he want them to be gold or something?”
“I am very worried about the leadership of the United States,” she added.
“I want this president to succeed. But it is clear to me that he is unwell. And I think the people around him have to realize that and go to him and tell him.”
Trump is aging, Dean said, and is clearly a “different man” than he was during his first term.
He’s slower and less energetic, but more importantly, his remarks on Tuesday were confused and “very dangerous,” as they are making other world leaders question whether the U.S. is still a reliable partner, she added.
“Some of the generals were trying to take notes and they just gave up because it didn’t make sense,” she said.
In a statement , a White House spokesperson didn’t talk about Trump’s health or leadership, and instead criticized Dean—mispronouncing her name—and former President Joe Biden.
“Madeline Dean played a leading role in covering up Biden’s decline and insisting there was nothing wrong with him after the entire country saw his brain melt on the debate stage after months of him failing to remember his own name,” spokesperson Abigail Jackson said.
“No one knows who this back bench House member is, and if they do, they know she has no credibility to talk about this.”
After Tuesday’s speech, Dean spoke to Johnson and said, “The president is unhinged.
He is unwell.”
“A lot of folks on your side are too,” Johnson replied, not disagreeing with Dean.
“I don’t control him.”
“Oh my God, please,” Dean scoffed.
“That performance in front of the generals?”
“I didn’t see it,” Johnson said.
“It’s so dangerous!”
Dean continued. “You know I serve on Foreign Affairs and Appropriations, it’s a collision of those two things. Our allies are looking elsewhere. Our enemies are laughing. You have a president who is unwell.”
Besides his speech to top military leaders, Trump has spent much of this week joking about Democrats and posting AI-generated videos and memes after Congress failed to agree on funding and the government shut down on Tuesday at midnight.
His speech and behavior have led to growing worries that the president may have dementia in addition to physical problems related to a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
For months, the president has had big swollen ankles and a large mysterious bruise on his right hand, which he has covered with makeup, hidden under tables, and covered with his left hand.
About the Author
