Former President Donald Trump left attendees at his Pennsylvania town hall scratching their heads after he impersonated a duck while defending his mental fitness. This bizarre moment unfolded on Sunday, shortly after he boasted about “acing” two cognitive tests.
During the event in Lancaster, which covered topics from climate change to immigration, Trump, 78, claimed he is “not close” to 80 and reassured supporters of his mental sharpness. Just hours earlier, he had spent time working the fries cooker at a closed McDonald’s and serving meals to pretend customers.
As moderator Sage Steele pressed Trump on fracking policies, he shifted gears, launching into a quacking impersonation to emphasize his support for expanding the controversial practice.
“Fracking. How soon, how quickly, how much in Pennsylvania?” she asked. In response, Trump leaned forward, pursed his lips, and exclaimed, “So we’re going to frack, frack, frack, like a duck,” to the bemusement of those in attendance.
“Frack! Frack! Frack! You can do three times what you’re doing now and even four times,” he added, seemingly unaware of the oddity of his performance. The crowd responded with laughter, a mix of confusion and amusement rippling through the audience.
Earlier in the town hall, Trump reiterated his claims of superior mental capabilities, citing endorsements from doctors who he claimed had marveled at his cognitive test results.
“I’ve done cognitive tests – I’ve done them twice – and I aced both of them,” he declared, eliciting cheers from supporters. “They’ve never seen anybody ace them.”
Trump also took the opportunity to critique Vice President Kamala Harris, suggesting she might have “a cognitive problem” while calling for all presidential candidates to undergo cognitive testing—though he later dismissed the idea as “unconstitutional.”
This bizarre performance comes amid ongoing debates among candidates about their mental and physical health as Election Day approaches. While Harris has released a summary of her medical records, Trump continues to keep details about his health under wraps, prompting ongoing speculation about his cognitive abilities.
Journalist Ben Meiselas shared a clip of Trump’s unusual antics on his X account, capturing the surreal moment for all to see. Check it out:
Meiselas: He’s up there on stage in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, saying “Frack, Frack, Frack” like a duck. This was a disastrous speech. What are we even watching here? Donald Trump says, “I’m not 80, I’m not that close to 80.” Donald Trump will be 80 in one year and eight… pic.twitter.com/NVGg5qBq5j
— Acyn (@Acyn) October 21, 2024