During a recent exchange with reporters while traveling, the former U.S. president offered contradictory statements within moments regarding a reported conversation with a foreign leader, prompting further questions about his clarity and consistency.
While returning to Washington, D.C., after the holiday weekend, he was asked by a journalist aboard the aircraft if he had spoken with the president of Venezuela, as had been reported. His initial response was a refusal to comment on the matter. However, seconds later, he reversed course and acknowledged that such a call had indeed taken place.
When pressed for details about the discussion, he declined to provide specifics but offered a vague assessment, stating the conversation was neither particularly good nor bad, merely characterizing it as “a phone call.” This rapid shift from non-answer to confirmation, followed by limited elaboration, has drawn attention from observers.
This incident adds to a series of recent public statements by the former president that have been cited by some critics as potential causes for concern. These include instances of confusing country names and references to resolving conflicts that analysts say do not exist in the manner he described.
A psychologist, commenting publicly on these patterns, has suggested the behavior could indicate significant cognitive issues, specifically pointing to signs consistent with a serious degenerative condition. The professional emphasized that certain types of verbal errors, known as phonemic paraphasias—where parts of words are substituted—are particularly associated with such declines, not merely fatigue or normal aging.
The context of the reported phone call involves ongoing geopolitical tensions. U.S. authorities have previously accused the Venezuelan leadership of involvement in international narcotics trafficking, a charge that has been a point of continued diplomatic friction.
The former president’s personal physician has previously issued statements asserting he is in excellent health, creating a contrast with the concerns raised by external medical commentators. The latest in-flight remarks are likely to fuel further debate over his fitness and the stability of his public communications.
