President Donald Trump suddenly found himself at the center of fresh rumors regarding his mental health. During a press briefing, he claimed to have coined the term “equalizing.” This press conference was about the lowering of the cost of prescription drugs.
While standing on the podium, President Trump stated that “We’re essentially equalizing.” He then went ahead to claim that it is a new word that he came up with. And how he thinks it is most likely the best one yet. We will all pay the same amount in order to equalize.
As soon as he finished the sentence, English speakers all over the world knew he was wrong. He may not have used this word earlier in his ramblings but this was a new word that he coined. Even linguists and fact-checkers swiftly criticized the statement. They pointed out that the word “equalize,” has been used in English since at least the late 15th century.
Not that this needed any fact-checking when Hollywood already made a movie with a derivative of this word.
The idea that Trump may think he created a word that has been around for so long is a cause for concern. It is about his lack of memory, cognitive awareness, and language skills.
The internet responded without delay. Social media sites exploded with funny memes and insightful criticism. Users on TikTok and X.com went on to work. One post went viral with the joke, “President Trump claims he coined the term ‘equalize.'” At the same time, the word has been around for 600 years.
Trump: “Basically, what we’re doing is equalizing. That’s a new word that I came up with, which I think is probably the best word.”
Trump brain is pudding.
pic.twitter.com/InC3ycpDbW— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) May 12, 2025
While some found it funny, others saw the episode as more concerning. It is a potential indication of cognitive deterioration. Many observers saw this as more than just a language blunder. Rather, they saw it as a sign of more serious problems with aging and mental sharpness. Especially for someone who holds so much power and is such a significant player.
Donald Trump’s father, Fred Trump Sr., suffered from Alzheimer’s. He also fears the same fate. The knowledge of this disease in his family, his age, and his fears have added more weight to the conversation.
Trump’s father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
It’s not about politics, it’s about genetics.
Like father like son. He will soon need assisted care (Months) pic.twitter.com/1XTa6QK5AF
— John Francis (@JohnF1CDO) October 15, 2024
The older Trump battled Alzheimer’s for years before he passed away at 93. Donald Trump is well aware of his father’s decline, and he has stated that he fears going down the same route.
As Trump’s mental acuity comes under scrutiny, political experts have pointed out the irony of Trump’s frequent insults to President Joe Biden‘s cognitive capacities. Those insults could be a projection of Trump’s part. He was always trying to deflect the question and bring Joe Biden into the conversation when anyone would question him about his health.
Examples of rambling speeches, abrupt changes in focus, and bewilderment during interviews have only fueled the flames.
Remember how Trump used to call Biden a “senile old man” and mocked him for forgetting which way to exit the stage?
Well then… what’s this? pic.twitter.com/3Bz94TbQiM
— Olena Rohoza (@OlenaRohoza) May 14, 2025
Professionals in medicine and neurology advise against making judgments without a formal diagnosis. Yet most people believe that when it comes to those in high-pressure and influential positions, cognitive health should be freely discussed. “Aging leaders have particular difficulties,” one dementia expert said. “Openness is essential, especially when it comes to someone running for or occupying public office.”
Incidents like the “equalizing” will probably continue to spark discussions about age, memory, and mental clarity. And there should be conversations regarding this. Not just about Donald Trump but about other leaders too.
