A psychologist's shocking assessment of Trump's mental health

Dr. John Gartner labels Donald Trump the most disturbed patient he's encountered in his career, as Trump continues to express controversial views on gender identity and the upcoming midterms.

Told by Peter Ashford · 29 August 2026

Dr. John Gartner, a seasoned psychologist from Johns Hopkins University, has made waves by declaring Donald Trump the most mentally unwell individual he's encountered in his four-decade career. Speaking on a podcast, Gartner expressed profound concern, stating, "In 40 years of clinical practice and almost 30 years of teaching psychiatric residents, I’ve never encountered a patient as sick as Donald Trump." He noted that Trump exhibits behaviors and thoughts that are "so many standard deviations away from what we would normally consider normal."

Gartner's remarks come amidst Trump's increasing comparisons to military figures like Napoleon and Caesar, despite his lack of military service. This, combined with what Gartner describes as Trump's desire to prepare the nation for nuclear conflict—suggesting he wants to be the one to "push the button first"—paints a concerning picture of leadership potential.

The psychologist has also observed a noticeable decline in Trump's cognitive abilities, pointing to symptoms consistent with frontotemporal dementia, which is characterized by disinhibition and poor judgment. He has described Trump's language and thought processes as deteriorating, citing recent instances where Trump struggled to articulate coherent thoughts.

Adding to this disturbing narrative, Trump recently suggested in an interview that voters should treat the 2026 midterms as if he is on the ballot, while making inflammatory comments about transgender rights. Trump stated, "I think we’re gonna do very well... I’m asking the people … to get out and vote. Pretend I’m on the ballot." He expressed concerns about the state of the country, claiming, "You’re gonna have crazy things happening like the men in women’s sports will never end."

Gartner’s analysis raises critical questions about the implications of Trump's mental state, particularly as he continues to wield significant influence in political circles, potentially gearing up for another presidential run. His troubling behavior and rhetoric, particularly regarding transgender individuals and issues, should not be taken lightly, especially considering the power he holds as a former president and current political figure.