Trump's text-only CNN interview sparks fresh health rumours: 'Anyone could have answered..'

Donald Trump

Donald Trump’s recent CNN appearance has stirred fresh speculation about his condition after he chose to conduct the entire interview with Jake Tapper via text rather than in person or over the phone.

The 79-year-old President, who made history as the oldest person ever to assume the office, reportedly sent his answers ahead of the broadcast, which CNN later displayed on-screen during Tapper’s State of the Union segment.

In his written responses, Trump addressed the ongoing Israel–Hamas war, expressing hope for peace but warning that Hamas would be “completely obliterated” if hostages were not returned.

Viewers quickly took to social media, questioning both the unusual interview format and Trump’s visibility. One user quipped, “‘Texted’... ‘Proof of life’?” Another remarked, “CNN announces that Jake Tapper has interviewed Trump about the Gaza deal... The show opens and Tapper says the interview was via text message!”

Others were openly skeptical. “What is wrong with Donald Trump so that he is not able to even do a telephone interview?” a commenter asked, while another wrote, “Anyone could have answered those questions for him. How does Tapper even ensure that was Trump? That was pathetic.”

Since his inauguration, Trump’s health has been a recurring topic of debate, especially as his party continues to criticize Joe Biden’s fitness for office. The text-only interview has reignited those conversations, with online chatter linking it to ongoing rumors of cognitive decline.

However, Trump’s White House physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, dismissed such concerns, stating that the President “exhibits excellent cognitive and physical health and is fully fit to execute the duties of the commander-in-chief and head of state.” He added that Trump’s mental assessment showed “normal” cognitive function.