Fact Check: "Trump III claims his grandfather struggled with Alzheimer's for eight years."
What We Know
Fred Trump III, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, has publicly stated that his grandfather, Fred Trump Sr., suffered from Alzheimer's disease for eight years before his death in 1999. In his recent book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, he discusses the family's history of cognitive decline, which he claims includes not only their grandfather but also other relatives, such as Donald Trump's cousin, John Walters, who reportedly suffered from dementia (source-2, source-4). Fred Trump III has expressed concerns about Donald Trump's mental state, suggesting that he sees signs of cognitive decline similar to those exhibited by family members who suffered from dementia (source-6, source-8).
Analysis
The claim that Fred Trump Sr. struggled with Alzheimer's disease for eight years is supported by multiple sources, including Fred Trump III's own statements and his book, which details the family's history of mental health issues. He specifically recalls his grandfather's decline and contrasts it with Donald Trump's public assertions that his father was "tiptop until the end" (source-2). This contradiction adds credibility to Fred III's account, as it suggests a personal and familial understanding of the symptoms of cognitive decline.
The reliability of the sources is generally strong, as they include direct quotes from Fred Trump III and references to his published work. However, it is important to note that the perspectives shared are influenced by familial relationships and may carry inherent biases. For example, both Fred and his sister, Mary Trump, have been vocal critics of Donald Trump, which could color their interpretations of his behavior (source-4). Nonetheless, the consistency of the claims across various reputable outlets lends weight to the assertion that Fred Trump Sr. did indeed suffer from Alzheimer's disease.
Conclusion
The claim that Trump III asserts his grandfather struggled with Alzheimer's for eight years is True. The evidence provided by Fred Trump III, corroborated by multiple sources, supports the assertion that Fred Trump Sr. had a significant battle with Alzheimer's disease prior to his death. The familial context and Fred III's personal observations contribute to the credibility of this claim.
