Trump Says Competency Tests Would Be ‘a Good Thing,’ Opposes Age Limits

Former President Donald Trump said Sunday that he is against the idea of setting age limits for politicians but supports requiring competency testing for candidates.

The 45th president’s remarks were made during an interview with Kristen Welker at his Bedminter, N.J., property that was previewed on the NBC program “Meet the Press.”

Moderator Kristen Welker questioned Trump about age limits, especially given the potential matchup between Trump, 77, and President Biden, 80, in the upcoming 2024 presidential race.

“You know, I took a test two years ago, three years ago,” Trump responded. “And as the doctors said — and it was in front of doctors and a whole big deal at Walter Reed, which is an incredible place.”

“And I aced it,” he continued. “I get everything right. I’m all for testing. I frankly think testing would be a good thing.”

While some believe that introducing an age limit or cognitive test might be “unconstitutional,” Trump stated he wasn’t sure about that. He also highlighted the achievements of world leaders in their 80s.

“[You] know, some of the greatest world leaders have been in their 80s,” Trump told Welker. “I’m not anywhere very near 80, by the way.”

“I don’t think Biden’s too old, but I think he’s incompetent, and that’s a bigger problem.”

If Trump were to win the 2024 elections, he would be almost 80 within his first 18 months in office. On the other hand, Biden would be 82 at the commencement of his second term.

Biden’s cognitive ability has been questioned frequently due to memory lapses and hesitations during his speeches.

Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley has been a prominent advocate for cognitive tests for U.S. politicians.

While she hasn’t supported age limits, she has proposed legislation that mandates presidential candidates and Congress members over 75 undergo competency tests.

Earlier this month, after health concerns arose regarding Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Haley described the U.S. Senate as “the most privileged nursing home in the country.”

“It’s sad,” Haley said. “No one should feel good about seeing that any more than we should feel good about seeing Dianne Feinstein, any more than we should feel good about what’s happening or seeing Joe Biden’s decline.”