Three close-up photographs of President Joe Biden can be found in a Facebook post from April 1 (direct link, archive link).
The post’s description states, “Joe Biden has agreed to a cognitive test and has stated that if he fails, he will resign.”
It was shared over 70 times in a week.
Our rating is False.
There is no evidence that Biden “consented” to a cognitive test and agreed to retire if he failed, as stated in the post. His most recent physical examination was in late February, and it did not include a cognitive test.
There’s no evidence Biden risked the presidency on a cognitive test.
Biden, 81, is the oldest incumbent president, and multiple polls indicate that Americans are concerned about his age ahead of the presidential race.
However, no reputable news reports back up the post’s allegation that Biden has agreed to quit if he fails a cognitive test. Though some House Republicans have previously made similar demands, the White House has made no mention of such an accord in any of its pronouncements.
In late February, Biden underwent his third physical as president and was deemed “fit for duty” by his doctor, who issued a six-page report explaining his findings. According to the New York Times, the “extremely detailed” neurological exam revealed no evidence of stroke, neurological diseases, or Parkinson’s disease.
The president’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, was asked at the time if Biden had taken a cognitive test. She said he didn’t, according to USA TODAY.
“The president doesn’t need a cognitive test,” Jean-Pierre stated. That was also the opinion of a neurologist, she claimed, adding that Biden “passes a cognitive test every day.”