Even Trump's Own Base Thinks 79-Year-Old President Is Losing It

New poll shows growing doubts about Trump's mental sharpness among Republicans and independents.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 30% of Republicans and 53% of independents think former President Donald Trump, now 79 years old, has become erratic with age and is not mentally sharp enough to deal with challenges. The majority of Americans overall agree, with 61% saying Trump has become erratic and 49% saying he is not mentally sharp. The White House has dismissed these concerns, but Trump's health and cognitive abilities have been under scrutiny for years.

Why it matters

Trump's mental fitness has been a recurring issue throughout his political career, and these poll results suggest growing doubts even among his core supporters. As the oldest president in U.S. history, Trump's age and health could become a major factor in the 2024 election if he decides to run again.

The details

The poll found that 30% of Republicans think Trump has become erratic with age, while 17% believe he is not mentally sharp or able to deal with challenges. Among independents, 64% described him as erratic with age and 53% said he is not mentally sharp. Overall, 61% of Americans said Trump has become erratic, and 49% said he is not mentally sharp. The White House has dismissed these concerns, with a spokesperson saying Trump's 'sharpness, unmatched energy, and historic accessibility stand in stark contrast' to Biden's 'serious mental and physical decline.' However, Trump has faced scrutiny over gaffes, bruising on his hands, and other signs of potential health issues.

  • The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted between February 18-23, 2026.
  • Trump turned 79 years old in June 2025.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States, who returned to the White House in January 2025 at the age of 78, becoming the oldest president ever inaugurated.

Joe Biden

The 83-year-old former president of the United States, who left office in 2025 amid sustained doubts about his mental sharpness.

Davis Ingle

A White House spokesperson who defended Trump's mental and physical capabilities.

Mary Trump

Trump's niece and a vocal critic who has publicly speculated about parallels between Trump and her grandfather's cognitive decline.

Stephen Miller

The White House Deputy Chief of Staff who previously offered an emphatic defense of Trump's mental and physical abilities.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This poll highlights growing concerns about Trump's mental fitness, even among his own supporters, as he approaches his 80th birthday. With age-related health issues and questions about his cognitive abilities, Trump's candidacy in 2024 could face significant headwinds if these doubts continue to spread.