“It’s a disorder that doesn’t get better” Psychologists Express Concern Over Donald Trump’s Mental State as 2024 Election Nears
Credit: Alex Brandon/AP, FILE
Over the weekend, two prominent psychologists expressed their concerns regarding the mental health of former President Donald Trump, describing it as “deteriorating.” During a podcast, Harry Segal, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer at Cornell University’s Psychology Department, alongside John Gartner, a psychologist and former assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University Medical School, highlighted the urgency of addressing Trump’s mental stability as the 2024 presidential election approaches.
Gartner criticized the media for its reluctance to question Trump’s mental fitness, contrasting this with the frequent coverage of President Joe Biden’s age. The psychologists argue that this oversight could have significant implications, particularly as the election nears, reported Raw Story.
“It’s a disorder that doesn’t get better,” he said. “It gets worse when there’s less structure.””We are going to be documenting his cognitive deterioration,” Gartner said during the podcast. “I always say to people: Look at Donald Trump right now, because that’s the best Donald Trump you’re ever going to see because dementia is a deteriorating illness and his rate of deterioration is accelerating.”
“I don’t know what it will take for the mainstream press to actually ask the question, ‘Is there something wrong with Trump’s brain?’” he said. “I think, even if he was caught wandering down Fifth Avenue in his pajamas, they wouldn’t ask the question.”
Adding to the discussion, Segal introduced the topic of Trump’s potential malignant narcissistic personality disorder. He suggested that if Trump were to serve a second term, this condition could worsen due to his intent to surround himself with yes-men, avoiding anyone likely to challenge his decisions. Segal emphasized the seriousness of such a disorder, noting that it tends to deteriorate over time, especially in the absence of adequate checks and balances.
Segal warned of the dangerous interplay expected between Trump’s cognitive decline and his personality disorder, both of which he described as severe. He stressed that these issues are particularly concerning for someone in a position of significant power, criticizing Trump’s suitability for presidential duties.
The psychologists’ discussion sheds light on the potential risks associated with Trump’s mental health, especially in the context of leadership and decision-making. Their insights suggest a dire need for public and media attention on these matters as the political landscape in the United States moves towards another election cycle, underlining the importance of mental fitness in presidential candidates.
