The Daily Beast Podcast Trump's Cognitive Collapse is Clear: Psychologist
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Oct 23, 2025 Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former Johns Hopkins professor, discusses the alarming signs of Donald Trump's cognitive decline. He draws shocking parallels between Trump’s behavior and historical dictators, emphasizing malignant narcissism. Gartner highlights Trump's loose associations and language errors as indicators of serious mental deterioration, while arguing that this increased impulsivity poses a significant risk. He challenges the ethics of diagnosing public figures and stresses the importance of transparency from the media and doctors.
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Trivial Focus Signals Cognitive Decline
- John D. Gartner argues Trump's public focus on trivial details signals cognitive decline rather than strategic choice.
- He compares Trump's behavior to dementia patterns like fixating on concrete physical details and free associating away from topics.
Malignant Narcissism As Governing Style
- Gartner diagnoses Trump with malignant narcissism, a severe personality disorder linked to dictators.
- He says Trump's behavior follows a Hitlerian playbook of propaganda, dehumanization, and consolidation of power.
How Propaganda Creates A New Normal
- Gartner describes 'malignant normality' where a leader converts society to their norms via propaganda.
- He warns demonization and shutting down dissent create a new reality aligned with the leader's psychosis.
