The Comedy Cellar: Live from the Table Resistance Psychologist Says Trump Won’t Finish His Term — "The Dementia Cliff Is Coming"
Dec 4, 2025
Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former psychiatry faculty member at Johns Hopkins, dives into a heated discussion about Donald Trump's mental health. He argues that Trump displays signs of malignant narcissism and accelerating dementia, citing language tangentiality and memory issues. The conversation explores whether Trump's behavior is strategic or symptomatic, while addressing evidence standards and media scrutiny. Gartner predicts a 'Dementia Cliff,' raising concerns about Trump's cognitive decline and its implications for governance.
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Goldwater Rule Vs. Public Safety
- The Goldwater Rule limits psychiatrists from diagnosing public figures they haven't examined, but clinicians still assess behavior from observation and history.
- John D. Gartner argues public figures' power motivates stricter restraint, yet warns such restraint can hinder public safety.
Malignant Narcissism As A Composite Disorder
- Gartner presents malignant narcissism as a composite of narcissism, psychopathy, paranoia, and sadism, claiming Trump's behaviors fit this type.
- He points to extensive lying and norm violations as observable criteria supporting the diagnosis.
Four Domains For Dementia Evaluation
- Dementia diagnosis requires decline in language, memory, behavior, and psychomotor skills, Gartner claims Trump shows deficits across these domains.
- He highlights tangential speech, confabulation, and an abnormal wide-base gait as evidence.
