Omarosa Manigault Newman, a former White House staffer under Donald Trump and contestant on his reality TV show, has raised concerns about the former president’s mental decline. She noted that Trump’s health has been the subject of scrutiny after a series of erratic and confusing public appearances followed by the cancellation of several high-profile interviews. Manigault Newman highlighted Trump’s struggles with recalling key policy issues and his tendency to pivot and attack others when he cannot remember important details.
She pointed out that Trump’s cognitive abilities have deteriorated over time, citing examples from her time working with him in the White House in 2017. She noted that Trump used to be able to recall complex figures and details of deals during their time on “The Apprentice,” but that ability had faded by the time he was in the White House. Manigault Newman mentioned instances where Trump forgot the names of his Cabinet members and key details of policy issues shortly after being briefed, indicating a decline in his mental acuity.
In her 2018 book, Manigault Newman detailed her observations of Trump’s mental state, particularly during his 2017 interview with NBC’s Lester Holt. She described Trump as rambling, speaking gibberish, and contradicting himself, leading her to believe that there was something seriously amiss in his brain. Manigault Newman was subsequently fired by Chief of Staff John Kelly in December 2017 and had to be physically escorted off the White House campus. She has since become a vocal critic of Trump, stating that she would never vote for him again.
Despite having known Trump since 2003, Manigault Newman expressed her disappointment in his behavior and lack of contribution to the country. She endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris as a better alternative, stating that Trump had nothing to offer America apart from strange swaying movements. She emphasized the importance of having a leader who can provide meaningful solutions during challenging times, implying that Trump was not capable of fulfilling that role.
Manigault Newman’s insights into Trump’s mental decline add to the growing concerns about his fitness for office. Her firsthand experiences working with him in the White House, coupled with her observations from his time on television, provide a unique perspective on how his cognitive abilities have changed over the years. As Trump continues to face criticism and scrutiny, it remains to be seen how his mental state will impact his future endeavors and potential return to politics.
