Journalist Reveals Trump’s Troubling Memory Lapses in Lengthy Interviews

In the high-stakes world of presidential politics, where every word is scrutinized and every gesture dissected, cognitive sharpness is a trait under constant examination. Variety co-editor-in-chief Ramin Setoodeh, who has spent significant time with former President Donald Trump for his forthcoming book “Apprentice in Wonderland,” offers a rather intriguing—and somewhat alarming—perspective. Setoodeh’s sessions with Trump unveil a series of memory lapses and cognitive inconsistencies that add a curious layer to the public persona of the former reality TV star turned president.

When Setoodeh spoke about his experiences on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” it was as if he had ventured down a political rabbit hole. His anecdotes were as revealing as they were concerning. Despite having met Trump multiple times, Setoodeh noticed an unsettling pattern: Trump often failed to recognize him. This wasn’t the expected aloofness of a busy man with a packed schedule. It was an evident lapse in memory. The Variety editor recounted how Trump, during their second meeting, couldn’t remember their lengthy hour-long conversation that had taken place just months earlier. A vacant stare and a blunt “no” when asked for recognition painted a picture far from the sharp, quick-witted mogul once portrayed on “The Apprentice.”

Setoodeh’s revelations serve to highlight an irony that hasn’t been lost on political observers. Trump’s frequent jabs at President Joe Biden’s alleged cognitive decline seem less credible when juxtaposed with Setoodeh’s observations. Not only did Trump exhibit difficulty in recalling Setoodeh, but his thought process appeared meandering, a concern echoed by various CEOs in a CNBC report. Confusion and a lack of clarity seemed to pervade many of Trump’s interactions, shedding light on a potential vulnerability that had remained largely out of public view.

Further complicating the narrative is Setoodeh’s conversation with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, where he doubled down on his observations. He noted that interviewing Trump post-presidency had become even more challenging, as the former president’s cognitive issues appeared to have worsened. Setoodeh’s firsthand account coincides with broader concerns about Trump’s mental acuity, dating back to his time in office and extending into his post-presidential years, as he gears up for what seems to be another run at the White House.

While it’s tempting to armchair diagnose public figures, Setoodeh’s consistent reports of these memory lapses do raise eyebrows. They suggest a narrative that doesn’t inspire confidence in Trump’s ability to lead. If someone who has spent substantial time with Trump notices such significant lapses, it begs the question of what might be occurring behind the scenes. These insights are particularly poignant given Trump’s history of criticizing others’ cognitive abilities—criticism that, when turned inward, reveals a paradoxical twist.

As the political landscape continues to evolve, Setoodeh’s upcoming book “Apprentice in Wonderland” promises to be a compelling read. It is poised to offer an unvarnished look at a figure who has been both lionized and vilified in equal measure. Whether one views Trump as a misunderstood genius or a man in cognitive decline, Setoodeh’s account undeniably adds a fascinating, albeit concerning, layer to the ongoing saga of America’s 45th president.