“You’re at the finals of the U.S. Open, a riveting performance… you’re the center of attention,” said Gartner, who spent nearly three decades teaching at Johns Hopkins University Medical School.
“So how does Trump react? Oh, he’s asleep again, just like he slept through most of the days of his criminal trial,” he continued, referencing Trump’s historic criminal trial in April 2024, where he appeared to nod off in court multiple times.
Gartner cited involuntarily falling asleep at inappropriate times as an early sign of dementia.
“I just wanna point out, this isn’t normal,” he said.
They then turned to Trump’s physical health, which has become a growing source of concern.
After weeks of speculation over the president’s swollen ankles, the White House admitted in July he had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood pools in the legs due to malfunctioning valves.
Segal, however, suggested a more dire cause.
“Congestive heart failure is what typically causes swelling, you know, largely swollen ankles,” said Segal, a psychology professor at Cornell University. “I think he’s not, I mean, he’s not doing well,” he added.
The two men also slammed the White House’s explanation for bruising on the president’s hands, which have consistently been slathered in heavy makeup. Officials have attributed the bruising to frequent “handshaking” and aspirin use.
Gartner pushed back, noting that bruises have been sighted on both hands.
“They’re obviously hiding the more serious problem,” he said. “He’s probably getting some kind of IV fluids.”
They also scrutinized a moment during a Pentagon event commemorating the 9/11 attacks, when Trump appeared with visible drooping on the right side of his face—setting off a wave of speculation that he may have suffered a stroke.
“When you see someone with half their face drooping like that, that’s not just someone being tired, that’s not a normal face,” Segal said. “It’s significant,” he insisted. “And that’s why I’m showing it, not just to make fun of him or to joke.”
In response, the White House shared a statement from MAGA loyalist and disgraced doctor Rep. Ronny Jackson, which reads:
“As President Trump’s former personal physician, former Physician to the President, and White House physician for 14 years across three administrations, I can tell you unequivocally: President Donald J. Trump is the healthiest president this nation has ever seen. I continue to consult with his current physician and medical team at the White House and still spend significant time with the President. He is mentally and physically sharper than ever before.”
An avalanche of musings on Trump’s mortality has hit social media in recent weeks.
Google searches for “Is Trump dead?” and “Trump dead” skyrocketed earlier this month, following the president’s four-day disappearance from public view. At one point, “Trump is dead” and ”Trump died” were the top two trending topics on X early on Saturday morning.
Trump will be the oldest serving president in U.S. history by the time a second term ends in 2029.
