Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he feels "sharper now than he did 20 years ago" in response to recent criticisms from his Republican presidential nomination rival Nikki Haley regarding his age and gaffes. He also mentioned that presidential candidates should undergo cognitive tests, which seemed to be a direct response to Haley, who had called for the same, referencing Trump’s (77) and Democratic President Joe Biden’s (81) ages.
Trump made these remarks during a campaign rally in Nevada on Saturday, ahead of the upcoming Republican caucus in the state on February 8. In recent days, Haley described Trump’s performance as confused and questioned his ability to handle the presidency at his age.
Trump has made some recent slips of the tongue, mixing up Haley with former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi during a speech on January 19. At times, he appeared to mumble incoherently, and he also suggested that former Democratic President Barack Obama is still in office.
Trump is nearly assured of winning all 26 Nevada delegate votes since Haley is not competing in this caucus. His consecutive victories in the Republican primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire solidify his party nomination for the White House race. However, he is frustrated that Haley, his last Republican challenger, has not withdrawn from the race.
Haley has vowed to continue her campaign in South Carolina and beyond. Shortly after Trump’s speech, Haley appeared at a campaign event in South Carolina, reiterating that Trump has seemed "confused" recently and asserting that if he wants to undergo a cognitive test, "he shouldn’t have a problem debating me, as that is the ultimate test of mental competency for anyone running for president."
Trump has refused to participate in any Republican primary debates and has declined to debate Haley.
