President Donald Trump has reportedly become increasingly concerned about his mental health, particularly in relation to the potential invocation of the 25th Amendment. According to psychologist Dr. John Gartner, Trump’s anxieties may stem from fears that his declining cognitive abilities could threaten his power. This assessment was shared during an interview on the Daily Beast Podcast, where Gartner discussed a recent article in the Wall Street Journal in which Trump addressed his health concerns.
In the interview, the 79-year-old president expressed frustration over ongoing public scrutiny of his health, stating that it was “the 25th time” such discussions had arisen. He insisted his health was “perfect,” despite mentioning the use of compression socks for swollen ankles. Gartner, who has previously suggested that Trump exhibits “clinical signs of dementia,” emphasized that the president’s paranoia regarding his health issues may intensify as his physical condition deteriorates.
Gartner explained that the 25th Amendment outlines procedures for presidential succession in the event of incapacity. He believes Trump’s fear of this constitutional provision is linked to his perceived threats to power and control. “No story enrages Donald Trump more than the stories about his physical and cognitive health,” Gartner stated. He suggested that as Trump’s health declines, he may experience heightened paranoia, affecting his behavior and decision-making.
The psychologist noted that Trump’s actions during his presidency have often demonstrated a lack of restraint, which may be exacerbated by his mental state. Gartner mentioned a recent incident where Trump urged Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute former FBI director James Comey and other perceived adversaries, reflecting a pattern of retribution that has characterized his presidency.
Gartner hypothesized that Trump may be exhibiting symptoms of frontotemporal dementia, a condition known for causing behavioral changes rather than primarily affecting memory. He elaborated, “We have this person who has virtually absolute power and no guardrails, who, in a demented state, is impulsively being driven to act out in these paranoid and destructive ways.”
In a notable example of Trump’s assertive rhetoric, he recently announced plans to “run” Venezuela following the US capture of its leader, Nicolás Maduro. Trump also indicated that the US would seize Venezuelan oil and hinted at future actions against Cuba, referring to the longstanding Monroe Doctrine as the “Donroe Doctrine.”
Despite Gartner’s claims, Trump remains adamant about his cognitive capabilities. He boasted on Truth Social that he “ACED” his cognitive test for the third time, asserting he is in “PERFECT HEALTH.” In response to inquiries regarding his health, White House Assistant Press Secretary Liz Huston reiterated that Trump remains in “excellent overall health,” citing statements from his physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella.
Gartner pointed out that the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test is typically not administered repeatedly unless monitoring for dementia is warranted. He referred to an article in the New Republic detailing “Trump’s 11 Most Senile Moments” in 2025, which included instances of the president appearing to fall asleep during public events and fixating on phrases like “groceries.”
When asked about the implications for those working closely with Trump, Gartner had a straightforward recommendation: “invoke the 25th Amendment.” The discussion highlights ongoing concerns regarding the president’s mental fitness and raises critical questions about presidential health and governance in the context of the 25th Amendment.
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