Donald Trump Defends Age Amid Presidential Bid, Criticizes Older Supreme Court Appointments

Former U.S. President Donald Trump, the oldest candidate running for the 2024 presidential election, defended his stance on age during a recent interview. Trump, who at 78 is the oldest person ever to run for the presidency, dismissed concerns about his age by ironically criticizing the appointment of older individuals to the U.S. Supreme Court. "Only stupid people put old people on the Supreme Court," Trump remarked, adding that his own Supreme Court appointments were significantly younger, helping secure a conservative majority.

Trump’s comments come amid ongoing criticism from both political rivals and health experts about his cognitive fitness for office. While addressing the topic of age, Trump highlighted his three Supreme Court picks — Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett — whose appointments shifted the court’s balance to the right. Their rulings have led to major changes in U.S. law, including the overturning of Roe v. Wade, a landmark decision protecting abortion rights.

However, Trump was quick to sidestep questions about his own age, which has often been raised by political commentators. Clinical psychologist Dr. Ben Michaelis suggested that Trump's long, meandering speeches and difficulty maintaining focus are signs of potential cognitive decline. Michaelis highlighted the challenges of maintaining mental sharpness over extended periods, noting that Trump’s behavior during rallies and interviews often appears inconsistent.

Despite these concerns, Trump remains defiant, continuing his campaign for the White House with renewed energy. As both Trump and Biden, two of the oldest figures in U.S. political history, vie for the presidency, the issue of age is likely to remain a central talking point in the upcoming election.