Dr. John Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former professor at Johns Hopkins University, has issued a new warning about President Donald Trump’s mental state.
His concern grew after Trump lashed out at a reporter on Air Force One, telling her to “be quiet, piggy” when she asked about the Jeffrey Epstein scandal.
Gartner spoke about Trump’s condition on The Daily Beast Podcast. He said Trump’s recent claims that he took several cognitive tests are more alarming than Trump seems to understand.
Gartner explained, “We do not give people multiple cognitive tests unless we suspect there’s a serious cognitive problem.” He added that one test is routine. Several tests point to something much deeper.
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Trump also said he underwent “advanced imaging.” Gartner argued that this almost certainly means an MRI. He explained, “We also never, ever give someone an MRI unless we suspect or need to rule out a serious problem.”
Gartner said that if Trump were a normal patient showing these signs, “a responsible doctor would give him both a neuropsychological battery and an MRI.”
He pointed to changes in Trump’s behavior over recent months. Trump has confused world leaders’ names, drifted off in the middle of speeches, and struggled to stay focused during major events.
Gartner said these issues match symptoms commonly seen in dementia. He believes Trump already had a long-standing personality disorder, and this new cognitive decline is making those traits much worse.
He explained that dementia weakens a person’s ability to control themselves, saying, “When people develop dementia, they become the worst versions of themselves.”
Gartner also noted physical warning signs. Trump has begun walking with a wide-based gait, swinging one leg outward. Cameras have also captured a slight droop on one side of his face.
He said these symptoms appear in several neurological conditions, including stroke or dementia, especially when one side of the body is affected. He also mentioned the moment Trump struggled to lift his arm during a Veterans Day salute, which suggested weakness on one side.
Gartner said that together, these physical and cognitive changes paint a troubling picture.
He also highlighted Trump’s growing impulsivity. One example was when Trump abruptly canceled trade talks with Canada simply because he was irritated by a viral video. Gartner said this type of reaction shows poor judgment and weakening self-control.
The pressure surrounding the renewed focus on the Epstein files is adding even more stress. Gartner said constant stress can worsen cognitive decline, especially for older adults.
Other voices have raised similar concerns. Mary Trump, the president’s niece, said she sees symptoms that remind her of the early stages of her grandfather’s Alzheimer’s disease.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
