Former Utah Senator and Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney has stated that individuals aged 80 and above should not be in positions of national leadership. Romney, who is approaching his 80th birthday next year, shared these sentiments during an interview on "Deseret Voices."
When asked playfully about a potential 2028 presidential run, Romney expressed a desire to compete again, suggesting "third time's a charm." However, his remarks on age followed. He referenced Bill Bryson's book "The Body," noting that the human brain can shrink by 20% by the age of 80.
"I basically think people who are 80 and above really should not be, uh, running the world or running the country," Romney said.
Romney previously sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 and secured it in 2012, losing the general election to Democrat Barack Obama. President Donald Trump turned 80 last month. President Joe Biden was 82 at the end of his term, making him the oldest person to serve as U.S. president. Trump, should he win a future election, would also be 82 at the end of a term, potentially becoming the oldest man to hold the presidency.