Donald Trump sharing a racist Truth Social post depicting Barack and Michelle Obama as apes caused controversy not only over the content of the video but also over concerns about his mental state.
Meanwhile, recently released Epstein documents show Jeffrey Epstein himself reported concerns about Trump’s mental health as far back as 2017.
According to journalist and Trump biographer Michael Wolff, White House staff privately described Trump as being “off his meds” after the Obama video incident. The Epstein revelation came from recently released documents, including an email reportedly sent by Epstein to Wolff.
In a February 7, 2026, interview on the Inside Trump’s Head podcast with Joanna Coles, Wolff said the late-night posting spree that led to the graphic video going public alarmed staffers. “I spoke to people in the White House about this, and their view was — you know, actually, let me quote, ‘off his meds,’” Wolff said.
After remaining live for roughly 12 hours, someone scrubbed the post amid a wave of bipartisan outrage. South Carolina’s Tim Scott, the only Black Republican in the Senate, labeled the footage “the most racist thing I’ve seen.”
The President, 79, brushed off the backlash. At one point, he claimed he hadn’t watched the entire video and that an aide shared the video.
Epstein: Trump’s friends “concerned about dementia”
Adding to the debate over Trump’s mental acuity are recently released emails tied to Epstein. Among the millions of documents released by the Department of Justice, a Dec. 29, 2017, email from Epstein to Wolff described a private dinner where Trump’s behavior unsettled attendees. In the message, Epstein wrote:
Some at dinner with donald last night, were concerned about dementia. tons of makeup. did not recognize old friends.”
At the time, Trump was serving his first term as president. Epstein’s observation, made nearly a decade ago, has resurfaced amid renewed discussion of Trump’s stability. These documents highlight that questions about his cognitive function among acquaintances and insiders are not new.
The DOJ has cautioned that some material in the Epstein document release includes unverified or sensational claims. Not all assertions in the files have been authenticated.
Trump health speculation continues
In recent months, questions about Trump’s mental and physical health have increased alongside political controversies.
Critics point to rambling speeches, late-night social media activity, and occasional verbal missteps as signs of possible cognitive decline, while supporters argue such claims are exaggerated or politically motivated.
Simultaneously, the resurfaced Epstein’s email links present-day concerns with observations made during Trump’s first term.
Ultimately, the broader Epstein files continue to generate headlines for the number of prominent names and allegations they contain. Together, the video controversy and the document release have kept questions about Trump’s judgment, health, and past associations in the national spotlight.
Published: Feb 10, 2026 05:37 am