January 21, 2026


Former White House Lawyer Ty Cobb Highlights Trump’s Alleged Cognitive Decline

In a candid interview on MS NOW’s *The Beat* with Ari Melber, Ty Cobb, former White House special counsel during the Trump administration, made striking remarks about Donald Trump’s mental state. Cobb, who has transitioned from a partner at Hogan & Lovells to a role in the media spotlight, discussed a recent two-hour interview with Trump, suggesting the former president has drifted off course mentally.

“Donald Trump has, erm, lost the plot,” Cobb stated, indicating a noticeable deterioration in Trump’s cognitive abilities. This comment amplifies ongoing conversations about Trump’s fitness for political office, particularly as he remains a significant figure in American politics. Cobb, who worked closely with Trump, emphasized that this was not merely an extension of pre-existing patterns of behavior but a distinct decline. “I think the dementia and the cognitive decline are palpable,” he said, acknowledging agreement from various experts and physicians.

The response from Trump’s camp was swift and sharp. White House Communications Director Steven Cheung rebutted Cobb’s comments, labeling him an “eternal stain on the great name he shares with a baseball legend,” and sarcastically suggesting Cobb should rename himself “Ty Loser.” This exchange underscores the tension between Cobb and his former associates and hints at the charged atmosphere surrounding discussions of Trump’s mental health.

Cobb’s observations contribute to a broader dialogue concerning the mental well-being of political leaders, particularly those with substantial influence and responsibility. His remarks have ignited reactions across the political spectrum, with many in Trump’s base dismissing them as baseless attacks, while others view them as crucial assessments that need further attention.

This unfolding story highlights the complexities of political loyalty, the challenges of addressing mental health issues in high office, and the polarized reactions that such discussions can provoke. As this debate continues, it remains to be seen how the narrative around Trump’s cognitive health will influence his political standing and the broader landscape of American politics.