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Politics
Jared Mondschein, Director of Research, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

America's leaders are older than they've ever been. Why didn't the founding fathers foresee this as a problem?

United States America Dianne Feinstein Joe Biden Mitch McConnell Donald Trump George Washington TikTok US Congress

The US Congress has had no shortage of viral moments in recent months. Senator Dianne Feinstein seemingly became confused over how to vote. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell experienced two extended “freeze episodes” during press conferences. And several members of Congress mistook TikTok for the name of a breath mint (Tic Tac).

The world’s oldest democracy currently has its oldest-ever Congress. President Joe Biden (80 years old) is also the oldest US president in history. His leading rival in the 2024 presidential race, former President Donald Trump, is not far behind at 77.

Biden and Trump are both older than 96% of the US population. Unsurprisingly, they are both facing widespread questions about their ages and cognitive abilities.

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