No evidence Biden said he would leave office if he can't pass cognitive test | Fact check
The claim: Biden agreed to resign if he fails a cognitive test
An April 1 Facebook post (direct link, archive link) shows three close-up images of President Joe Biden.
"Joe Biden has consented to a cognitive test and says he will resign if he fails," reads the post's caption.
It was shared more than 70 times in a week.
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Our rating: False
There is no evidence Biden "consented" to a cognitive test and agreed to resign if he fails, as the post claims. His most recent physical exam was in late February and did not include a cognitive test.
No evidence Biden staked presidency on cognitive test
Biden, 81, is the oldest sitting president, and several polls show his age is a concern for voters ahead of the presidential election.
However, no credible news reports support the post's claim that Biden has agreed to resign if he fails a cognitive test. Though some House Republicans have made similar demands in the past, there is no mention of such an agreement in any statements released by the White House.
In late February, Biden had a physical – his third as president – and was declared "fit for duty" by his doctor, who wrote a six-page report detailing his findings. The “extremely detailed” neurological exam did not turn up evidence of stroke, neurological disorders or Parkinson’s disease, The New York Times reported.
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Karine Jean-Pierre, the president's press secretary, was asked at the time whether Biden had undergone a cognitive test. She said he did not, USA TODAY reported.
"The president doesn't need a cognitive test," Jean-Pierre said. That was also the assessment of a neurologist, she said, adding that Biden "passes a cognitive test every day."
USA TODAY reached out to social media user who shared the post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Our fact-check sources:
The New York Times, Feb. 28, Biden’s Doctor Says He Is ‘Fit for Duty’ After Physical and Neurological Exam
The White House, Feb. 28, President Biden's current health summary
The White House, accessed April 9, Statements and Releases
USA TODAY, Feb. 28, Biden responding well to sleep apnea treatment; is 'healthy' and 'robust,' says his doctor.
Ronny Jackson website, May 12, 2023, Rep. Jackson leads GOP colleagues demanding Pres. Biden immediately takes cognitive test
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: No evidence Biden agreed to quit if he fails mental exam | Fact check
