'I don’t want to be cognitively challenged,' Trump declares at Charlotte rally

During a rally in Charlotte on Wednesday, former President Donald Trump twice denied accusations of being "cognitively challenged" and "cognitively in trouble."

Early in his speech, he acknowledged his daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, amidst criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris for inflation. 

"As vice president, [Harris] cast the tie-breaking votes that created the worst inflation in a half a century... and by the way Lara says hello," 

Trump said, adding, "I don’t want to be cognitively, no, but I want to thank her because she’s unbelievable."

About 45 minutes later, Trump revisited the topic of his cognition while discussing migrants, referencing Hannibal Lecter from "Silence of the Lambs." 

"They go crazy when I say ‘The late great Hannibal Lecter,’ OK. They say ‘Why would he mention Hannibal Lecter, he must be cognitively in trouble,’" 

Trump stated, defending his mental state with a peculiar comparison.

Trump has been facing increasing scrutiny over his mental acuity. Author Ramin Setoodeh recently noted "severe memory issues" in six interviews with Trump, while business leaders described him as "meandering" in recent meetings. 

Earlier this year, Trump mistakenly confused former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. 

Despite these incidents, Trump and his campaign maintain that he is healthy.