Mary Trump, the clinical psychologist, and niece of former President Donald Trump, made a bold statement on MSNBC Monday night, suggesting her uncle is experiencing “cognitive decline” linked to long-standing psychiatric issues that have never been diagnosed. Her comments come as a response to a recent New York Times analysis questioning the former president’s often rambling and disjointed speeches.
In her interview with Lawrence O’Donnell on The Last Word, Mary Trump didn’t hold back, describing her uncle as a “deeply unhealthy person” who has been “entirely out of his depth” since winning the presidency in 2016. She argued that his current behavior is not just a matter of aging but is likely compounded by intense stress and pressure, possibly exacerbating “potentially several undiagnosed personality disorders.”
“This is not a question of aging,” she emphasized. “This is a question of cognitive decline that may indeed be related to some kind of cognitive issues Donald is suffering from. It may be because of his decadeslong, very serious psychiatric disorders that have gone undiagnosed and untreated.”
Mary Trump, the author of the New York Times bestseller Who Could Ever Love You, highlighted the need for a more comprehensive evaluation of her uncle’s mental state. She suggested that experts from various medical fields, including psychiatry, neurology, and gerontology, should assess him to gain a clearer understanding of his behavior.
“He’s feeling out of control,” she explained, pointing to the urgency of consulting professionals such as psychiatrists, psychologists, neuropsychologists, and gerontologists to determine the nature of his cognitive challenges. “We don’t know because one thing this article also doesn’t do is speak to experts on the topic. So we really need a broader discussion.”
She expressed concern over the implications of her uncle’s behavior and stressed the importance of distinguishing between the effects of normal aging and deeper cognitive issues. “Because there is so much at stake and because there is so much going on. What is a function of normal aging?” she questioned.
Mary Trump concluded with a stark observation, stating, “A lot of what was discussed in this article does not seem to me to be part of normal aging.” She urged for a broader and more informed discussion about her uncle’s mental health, noting that understanding these issues is crucial given the potential impact on national and global affairs.
Her comments have reignited debates about the former president’s health, with many questioning whether such issues might affect his future political ambitions. Mary Trump’s insights add weight to the growing chorus of voices calling for a more detailed examination of Donald Trump’s mental state.