Fact Check: "Trump III claims his grandfather struggled with Alzheimer's disease for eight years."
What We Know
Fred Trump III, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, has publicly claimed that his grandfather, Fred Trump Sr., suffered from Alzheimer's disease for eight years prior to his death in 1999. This assertion was made during an interview on SiriusXMβs The Dean Obeidallah Show, where Trump III expressed concerns about the mental health of his uncle, Donald Trump, citing a family history of dementia. He stated, "You know, Donald said, 'Oh, my father was tiptop until the end.' I can assure you, that was not the case. I know what I saw in my grandfather" (source-2, source-4).
In his memoir, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, Trump III discusses the family's history with dementia and how it has affected their lives (source-2, source-6).
Analysis
The claim that Fred Trump Sr. struggled with Alzheimer's disease for eight years is corroborated by multiple sources, including statements from Fred Trump III himself. His recollections are presented in the context of a broader discussion about mental health issues within the Trump family, which adds a layer of personal testimony to the claim.
The reliability of the sources is generally strong, as they include direct quotes from Fred Trump III and references to his published work. The Hindustan Times and Express articles provide detailed accounts of his statements, which are consistent across different platforms (source-2, source-4).
However, it is important to note that while Fred Trump III's claims are based on personal observations and family history, they are not substantiated by independent medical records or assessments of Fred Trump Sr.'s health. The nature of familial anecdotes can sometimes be subjective, and interpretations of behavior can vary widely.
Conclusion
The claim that Fred Trump Sr. struggled with Alzheimer's disease for eight years is supported by Fred Trump III's statements and is consistent across multiple credible sources. While the evidence is primarily anecdotal, the consistency of the claims and the context provided lend credibility to the assertion. Therefore, the verdict is True.