Former President Donald Trump claimed he had ‘no cognitive problem’ at a town hall on Sunday, but then made several errors before complimenting his interviewer’s appearance.
As the event began, Trump mistakenly addressed his moderator as Paige instead of former ESPN anchor Sage Steele. The Harris campaign quickly circulated the clip. Trump also mistakenly thought Stan Musial, a St. Louis Cardinals legend, was in the audience, though Musial passed away over a decade ago. The person being referenced was actually Pennsylvania Rep. Dan Meuser, who Trump later brought on stage.
During the interview, Trump complained about his chair and stood up halfway through, describing his age of 78 as ‘not that close to 80.’ Earlier in the day, he worked a fryer at a McDonald’s in suburban Philadelphia, seemingly to taunt Kamala Harris.
Trump: “I have no cognitive.” pic.twitter.com/hdZfK3VmJT
— James Singer (@Jemsinger) October 20, 2024
Trump advocated for mental acuity tests for presidential candidates, touting his own cognitive abilities and referencing his recent interview with the Wall Street editorial board. He suggested the editorial board concluded he had ‘no cognitive problem,’ while implying Harris might have one, a claim he has made repeatedly about her intelligence.
At the town hall, Trump reiterated his call for cognitive tests for all presidential candidates, not based on age, and cited other leaders who are older but still effective. He mentioned Rupert Murdoch, 93, as an example. Trump claimed to have aced cognitive tests he previously took and dismissed concerns about their constitutionality.
Age has been a campaign issue following a series of gaffes by Biden, 81. Trump, who was the oldest president when elected, would break that record if reelected. At the town hall, Trump misheard a reference to Rep. Dan Meuser as the late Stan Musial. He also joked with audience members about tattoos and goatees but found his chair uncomfortable, standing up suddenly during the interview.
Trump has faced technical issues at live events, such as a microphone failure in Detroit and playing music instead of taking questions at another town hall.
While at a McDonald’s drive-thru in suburban Philadelphia, Trump acknowledged Kamala Harris’s 60th birthday, suggesting he should get her some flowers or a McDonald’s meal. He showed some sympathy for Biden, calling his step back from pressure a ‘coup’ and commenting on their debate performances.
Trump praised his interviewer’s skills and appearance, noting such comments could end political careers. He also complimented New York Times photographer Doug Mills.
‘His brain is so broken’: Trump labeled ‘not well’ after new verbal slip-up at town hall https://t.co/LdDm3eHWwC
— Jaime (@TheReal_Jaime) October 21, 2024
The Pennsylvania visit included a stop at a McDonald’s where Trump worked the fryer and drive-thru, engaging with prearranged supporters. He reminisced about his first summer job and avoided policy questions, including on minimum wage.
Trump later attended a Pittsburgh Steelers game. He expressed his love for McDonald’s food, especially French fries, and interacted with supporters who doubted Harris’s claim of working at McDonald’s.
A massive security presence guarded the visit, and the Trump campaign tightly controlled media access. Trump’s team has questioned Harris’s résumé and claimed she lied about working at McDonald’s.
Harris has mentioned her McDonald’s job during her 2019 presidential campaign and said she worked there in 1983. Trump’s early jobs involved working for his father’s real estate company.
In Pennsylvania, a critical battleground state, Trump is trying to win over working-class voters. Clinton narrowly won Bucks County in 2016, and Biden widened the margin in 2020.
Harris highlighted her McDonald’s job to connect with workers trying to support families. Trump’s campaign has raised doubts about her claim.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro noted the race’s tightness, reflecting on the close margins in previous elections.
What Other Media Are Saying
- ABC News reports Trump mocked Harris’ McDonald’s job claim, working the fryer at a Philadelphia-area McDonald’s, questioning her integrity and alleging she lied about her summer job experience while attending Howard University.(read more)
- Fortune: Trump’s visit to McDonald’s highlights his campaign strategy, criticizing Kamala Harris’s claim about working at the fast-food chain, emphasizing expertise and hard work.(read more)
- CNN reports Donald Trump made a campaign stop at a McDonald’s near Philadelphia, operating a fryer and distributing orders at the drive-thru, highlighting unconventional campaign efforts.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What errors did Trump make at the town hall?
Trump mistakenly called Sage Steele ‘Paige’ and thought the late Stan Musial was in the audience.
Did Trump suggest cognitive tests for presidential candidates?
Yes, Trump advocated for mental acuity tests for all presidential candidates, regardless of age.
How did Trump engage with supporters in Pennsylvania?
Trump worked a fryer at a McDonald’s, attended a Pittsburgh Steelers game, and interacted with prearranged supporters.
What did Trump say about Kamala Harris?
Trump implied Harris might have cognitive issues and raised doubts about her claim of working at McDonald’s.
Why is Pennsylvania important for Trump?
Pennsylvania is a critical battleground state, and Trump aims to win over its working-class voters.