Donald Trump Sparked Dementia Concern After 2017 Dinner for Failing To 'Recognize Old Friends', Epstein Files Reveal

US President Donald Trump's cognitive health has been a favourite subject of debate amongst his fans and critics. It turned out that even Jeffrey Epstein, the late convicted sex trafficker, noticed a decline in Trump's mental acuity.

The latest trove of Epstein files revealed an email that Epstein sent to Trump's biographer, Michael Wolff, in December 2017. In their correspondence, the American financier recounted a dinner with Trump and some guests at which the latter expressed concern about the president's health, noting that Trump allegedly struggled to remember his old pals.

Epstein Claims Inner Circle Feared Trump's Cognitive Decline

The latest release of Epstein's files includes a series of emails and notes where the disgraced financier detailed his observations of the president. Most notably, Epstein recounted a specific dinner in 2017 where he claimed Trump struggled significantly with basic recognition.

'Some at dinner with donald last night, were concerned about dementia. tonnes of makeup. did not recognise old friends', Epstein wrote.

Apparently, the dementia rumours surrounding Trump aren't new at all, as even those within his circle nearly a decade ago had already raised the same concern.

'I've Seen His Decline'

Jeffrey Epstein is not the only person within Trump's circle who raised concern over the businessman-turned-politician's cognitive decline. Trump's nephew, Fred C Trump III, spoke about what he observed in his uncle as he reflected on their family's history of dementia.

'Like anyone else, I've seen his decline. But I see it in parallel with the way my grandfather's decline was', Fred told People in 2024 before Trump secured a victory in his second bid for the presidency. 'If anyone wants to believe that dementia did not run in the Trump family, it's just not true.'

Trump's late father and sister reportedly suffered from cognitive health challenges. Trump, however, denied it, calling it 'completely fabricated and total fake news'.

Trump and the White House have consistently denied the dementia speculations, insisting the US president is in 'excellent health'.

Why Many Speculate Trump Has Dementia?

Trump has been in the public spotlight for various reasons—Cabinet meetings, official engagements, high-profile events, and more. However, he has been seen dozing off multiple times. Fatigue and excessive tiredness are amongst the early signs of dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Trump's behaviour is another indicator. For instance, many were surprised when he interrupted a roundtable discussion with prominent industry leaders to view what's behind the door.

Trump seemed impressed by the view, even though there was nothing extraordinary about it. Additionally, he claimed the door led to the ballroom, even though it was apparent to everyone that it led outdoors.

Dr Jonathan Reiner, a leading cardiologist and former White House physician, also noticed his 'manic' delivery during a speech at the Diplomatic Reception Room in December. He added that Trump looked 'unwell'.

'I'm seriously concerned about the health of the president,' Reiner wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

'I Am in Perfect Health'

Despite the mounting pressure and heated discussion about Trump's health, the president has repeatedly bragged about his mental prowess. According to him, he 'aced' his cognitive exams.

'The White House Doctors have just reported that I am in "Perfect Health", and that I "ACED" (Meaning, was correct on 100% of the questions asked!), for the third straight time, my Cognitive Examination, something which no other President or previous Vice President, was willing to take', Trump wrote on Truth Social on 2 January.