A growing chorus of experts is raising alarms over former President Donald Trump’s mental fitness, suggesting that the 79-year-old may be grappling with more than just the stress of politics.
Beneath the bombastic speeches and headline-grabbing outbursts, psychologists warn, there are signs of cognitive strain that could signal a deeper neurological issue. While Trump’s team insists he remains in “excellent health,” observers say subtle changes in his behavior hint at a decline that could accelerate unnoticed.
Concerns intensified after two prominent psychologists publicly flagged what they describe as “classic indicators” of cognitive deterioration. Dr. John Gartner, formerly of Johns Hopkins University, and Harry Segal, a senior lecturer at Cornell, have pointed to patterns in Trump’s speech and behavior that they argue are consistent with dementia.
Segal, speaking with The Guardian, noted the former president’s habit of abruptly shifting topics mid-conversation, a behavior he describes as “wandering without reflection,” often leaving his statements devoid of a coherent narrative. He also highlighted episodes of “confabulation,” in which memories appear to mix fact with invention.
Gartner, co-founder of the “Duty to Warn” initiative during Trump’s first term, observed a pronounced decline in the former president’s verbal skills. “If you compare recordings from the 1980s to today, the difference is stark. Back then, Trump could articulate lengthy, structured thoughts. Now, he struggles to finish a single coherent sentence,” he said. “This is unmistakably cognitive deterioration, and it is only going to progress.”
Trump’s team, however, continues to reject such claims. White House physician Dr. Sean Barbabella affirmed in April that Trump remains in “excellent physical and cognitive health,” fully capable of meeting the demands of the presidency.
Even AI observers, like Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot, have noted potential warning signs—including slurred speech, a changing gait, and a family history of Alzheimer’s—while referencing standard cognitive tests such as the MoCA.
For years, critics have scrutinized Trump’s verbal miscues, rambling remarks, and atypical gestures. Supporters insist these quirks are political attacks meant to undermine his campaign, while psychologists argue that the patterns are difficult to ignore when viewed collectively. Segal and Gartner stress that public appearances provide sufficient evidence to raise serious questions about his cognitive resilience.
The warnings arrive as Trump launches his third bid for the presidency. Polling indicates that doubts about his mental sharpness may already be affecting voter confidence, though the campaign points back to earlier statements from Dr. Barbabella for reassurance.
🔹 Conclusion
Taken as a whole, the expert assessments paint a concerning portrait of Donald Trump’s capacity to handle the demands of modern political life. While supporters and medical allies insist he is in peak condition, psychologists see patterns of cognitive decline that may become more pronounced under the pressures of another presidential race.
The central question grows ever more urgent: can Trump withstand the rigors of leadership, or will the subtle cracks in his mental acuity deepen over time?