Fact Check: "Trump III insists his grandfather struggled with Alzheimer's, contradicting Donald's claims."
What We Know
Fred Trump III, the nephew of former President Donald Trump, has publicly expressed concerns regarding his uncle's mental state, specifically suggesting that dementia is a concern that runs in their family. In interviews and his book, All in the Family: The Trumps and How We Got This Way, he recounts that their grandfather, Frederick Christ Trump Sr., suffered from Alzheimer's disease for eight years before his death in 1999 (source-2, source-4). Fred Trump III claims that Donald has downplayed their grandfather's cognitive decline, stating, "You know, Donald said, 'Oh, my father was tiptop until the end.' I can assure you, that was not the case" (source-2).
In addition to their grandfather, Fred also mentions that other family members, including Donald's sister Maryanne and cousin John Walters, exhibited signs of dementia (source-4). He emphasizes that the family history of cognitive decline is significant and should not be ignored, stating, "If anyone wants to believe that dementia did not run in the Trump family, it's just not true" (source-4).
Analysis
The claim made by Fred Trump III regarding their grandfather's struggle with Alzheimer's disease is corroborated by his detailed accounts and observations of family behavior. His assertions are based on personal experiences and familial history, which lend credibility to his statements. The sources reporting on his comments, such as People and Express, are reputable outlets that cover political and social issues, although they can have varying degrees of bias depending on the context.
Fred's remarks about Donald Trump's mental state are particularly relevant in light of the ongoing public discourse surrounding the cognitive health of political figures, especially as both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden have faced scrutiny regarding their mental acuity (source-6). While Fred Trump III is not a medical professional, his insights are informed by his familial experiences, which he articulates clearly.
However, it is important to note that Donald Trump's campaign has dismissed Fred's claims as "completely fabricated and total fake news" (source-4). This dismissal reflects the contentious nature of political narratives, where family disputes can be weaponized in public discourse.
Conclusion
The claim that Fred Trump III insists his grandfather struggled with Alzheimer's disease, contradicting Donald Trump's previous assertions about their father's mental health, is True. The evidence presented by Fred, including his personal observations and the family's history of cognitive decline, supports this claim. The contrasting narratives between Fred and Donald highlight the complexities of familial relationships and public personas, especially in the political arena.
