Ramin Setoodeh, the editor-in-chief of Variety and noted author, has expressed significant concerns over Donald Trump's memory capabilities.

As reported by People, Setoodeh, author of  Apprentice in Wonderland, claims that former President Donald Trump displayed significant memory problems, often failing to recall past conversations. Setoodeh also noted that Trump did not remember him personally during their six interviews.

Interviews Reveal Trump's Troubling Memory Lapses

In interviews conducted for Setoodeh's latest book, Apprentice in Wonderland: How Donald Trump and Mark Burnett Took America Through the Looking Glass, Trump showcased troubling forgetfulness. This revelation raises serious questions about the former president's cognitive health, which is now 78 years old.

Setoodeh's interactions with Trump began in 2021, providing him with unique insights into Trump's current mental state. They had their initial conversation in May 2021, which lasted an hour.

These discussions were aimed at detailing Trump's journey in media and politics, primarily focusing on his time with the reality TV show "The Apprentice."

The repeated interviews revealed worrying signs. By the time of their follow-up conversation a few months after their first lengthy interview, Trump appeared not to remember Setoodeh or their prior discussions. According to Setoodeh's observations, such incidents of memory lapse were not isolated.

Concerns Voiced Publicly on National Television

Setoodeh shared these observations publicly during an appearance on MSNBC’s "Morning Joe" on June 17. He stressed the importance of the public understanding Trump's mental and cognitive condition, as he has been a dominant figure in American politics and media. Setoodeh articulated his concerns about Trump's apparent decline in memory and cognitive function.

"Donald Trump had severe memory lapses," stated Setoodeh on the show. "As the journalist who spent the most time with him, I have to say, he couldn't remember things. He couldn’t even remember me," he recounted, indicating the severity of Trump's memory issues.

The response from Trump's camp was swift and dismissive. Steven Cheung, Trump's 2024 communications director, refuted Setoodeh’s claims vigorously.

Cheung argued that Trump was fully aware of who Setoodeh was during their interactions but dismissed the significance of the journalist's impressions by questioning his importance and credibility.

Cheung told People:

President Trump was aware of who this individual was throughout the interview process, but this ‘writer’ is a nobody and insignificant so of course he never made an impression. After recognizing the importance of The Apprentice and its significant cultural impact on a global scale, this ‘writer’ has now chosen to allow Trump Derangement Syndrome to rot his brain like so many other losers whose entire existence revolves around President Trump.

Further Instances Suggesting Memory Challenges

Additional events have also fueled concerns about Trump's memory. Notably, Trump recently made a mistake while referring to his former White House physician, confusing "Ronny Jackson" with "Ronny Johnson."

This incident occurred while Trump was discussing his 2018 cognitive test results, which he has frequently used to assert his cognitive health.

Such lapses, especially in the context of minimal public appearances and limited engagement in interviews other than with Setoodeh, provide a concerning picture of Trump's current cognitive abilities. This situation also reflects the broader implications of his potential capabilities to engage in complex political and social discussions.

The Broader Impact and Cultural Significance of Trump's Reality TV Career

Setoodeh's book goes beyond just discussing Trump's cognitive health. It also delves deep into how Trump's celebrity status, established and enhanced by "The Apprentice," played a pivotal role in his political ascendancy.

The book argues that the reality TV show's influence was a significant cultural phenomenon, impacting American entertainment and its political landscape.

The detailed portrayal in the book is meant to offer a more comprehensive understanding of Trump, providing insights into his personality traits and behaviors over the years beyond mere political analysis. According to Setoodeh, it suggests a trajectory of cognitive and personal consistency that has remained unchanged.

While debates about Trump's cognitive health continue, Setoodeh's observations add a critical dimension to public discussions about the former president's fitness for future political roles. As such, the implications of these revelations are profound, touching on the very essence of leadership qualities and accountability in public office.