Conservatives Join Democrats in Questioning Trump's 'Mental Capacity'

Prominent MAGA figures and former allies raise concerns about the president's behavior and rhetoric as Democrats push for 25th Amendment action.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 9:04am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting featuring a presidential podium repeated in overlapping, geometric waves of red, white, and blue, conveying a sense of political turmoil and division.As concerns mount over the president's mental state, the political landscape appears increasingly fractured and unstable.Erie Today

President Donald Trump's behavior and comments have led both political opponents and former allies to openly question his mental health and fitness for office. Prominent conservative pundits, including former Fox News hosts and conspiracy theorists, have suggested the president is unwell, with some calling for him to be removed from office using the 25th Amendment. Democrats have seized on these concerns, with lawmakers pushing for a formal evaluation of Trump's mental capacity. Polling shows the American public is also increasingly worried about the president's erratic conduct and age-related decline.

Why it matters

The growing bipartisan criticism of Trump's mental state and behavior highlights the deep divisions within the MAGA movement and the broader political implications of the president's actions. It also raises questions about the stability of the executive branch and the potential use of the 25th Amendment to remove an unfit president from power.

The details

Prominent conservative figures, including former Fox News hosts Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, and podcaster Candace Owens, have all suggested in recent weeks that Trump's mental capacity needs to be examined. Former White House lawyer Ty Cobb has also described the president as "clearly insane." These criticisms have come amid Trump's increasingly bellicose rhetoric, such as his warnings about destroying Iran and his claims that "a whole civilization will die" if his demands are not met. Democrats, including Reps. Mark Takano and Jamie Raskin, have seized on these concerns and are pushing for a formal evaluation of Trump's mental fitness under the 25th Amendment.

  • In an April 15 appearance on CNN International, former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said she's been "shocked and horrified" at the president's recent rhetoric.
  • On March 31, conspiracy theorist Alex Jones said on his program that GOP incumbents need to "cut the bait" on Trump before the 2026 midterm elections, adding that the president "does babble and, you know, sound like the brain's not doing too hot."
  • On April 7, Candace Owens referred to Trump as a "genocidal lunatic" on X (formerly Twitter) and called for using the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.
  • On March 31, former White House lawyer Ty Cobb said the president is "clearly insane" during an interview with former CNN reporter Jim Acosta.
  • On April 9, Trump lashed out at the MAGA media figures, accusing them of trying to get "cheap publicity."

The players

Marjorie Taylor Greene

A former Republican Congresswoman from Georgia who has expressed concerns about Trump's recent rhetoric.

Alex Jones

The founder of Infowars and a longtime Trump supporter who has suggested the president's mental capacity needs to be examined.

Candace Owens

A conservative podcaster who has referred to Trump as a "genocidal lunatic" and called for using the 25th Amendment to remove him from office.

Ty Cobb

A former White House lawyer who has described the president as "clearly insane."

Mark Takano

A Democratic Congressman from California who has grilled the Health and Human Services Secretary about Trump's mental fitness.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I really think that his mental capacity needs to be examined.”

— Marjorie Taylor Greene, Former Republican Congresswoman

“And he does babble and, you know, sound like the brain's not doing too hot.”

— Alex Jones, Founder of Infowars

“Our Congress and military need to intervene. We are beyond madness.”

— Candace Owens, Conservative Podcaster

“These screeds that come out nightly.... highlights the level of insanity and depravity. I think he's gone.”

— Ty Cobb, Former White House Lawyer

“Experts have repeatedly warned that the President has been exhibiting signs consistent with dementia and cognitive decline.”

— Jamie Raskin, Democratic Congressman

What’s next

Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Maryland, is moving to pass a measure establishing a panel to assess the president's fitness to remain in office under the 25th Amendment. Raskin has also asked the White House physician for an evaluation of Trump's mental health.

The takeaway

The growing bipartisan criticism of Trump's mental state and behavior highlights the deep divisions within the MAGA movement and the broader political implications of the president's actions. It also raises serious questions about the stability of the executive branch and the potential use of the 25th Amendment to remove an unfit president from power.