A clinical psychologist has raised alarms regarding the cognitive state of former President Donald Trump, identifying two primary factors contributing to what he describes as Trump’s “collapse.” In the latest episode of his YouTube series, Shrinking Trump, Dr. Harry Segal shared insights into Trump’s behavior, attributing it to his malignant narcissism and early signs of dementia.
Dr. Segal explained that malignant narcissism manifests as a severe form of narcissistic personality disorder, leading to a profound lack of empathy, compulsive lying, and, at times, criminal behavior. He further elaborated on the concerning notion of “incipient dementia,” noting that signs of cognitive deterioration have begun to emerge in Trump’s demeanor.
In discussing the implications of Trump’s behavior, Dr. Segal pointed to the ongoing Epstein file scandal as a significant stressor. The Trump administration has faced criticism for not fulfilling promises to release additional documents related to the investigation of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In response to mounting pressure, Trump has dismissed the issue as a “Democrat HOAX,” a statement that Dr. Segal suggests reflects both cognitive decline and a refusal to accept responsibility.
The psychologist remarked, “It really is the wrong thing to do and clearly he’s not listening to any advice. It makes me think of his cognitive decline because he’s only been saying this now whenever asked about Epstein.” Dr. Segal emphasized that Trump’s attempts to blame former President Barack Obama for the Epstein situation are politically and cognitively nonsensical.
Dr. Segal also linked recent court losses to Trump’s perceived cognitive decline. He referenced a ruling by the Federal Appeals Court that blocked Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans, along with a decision declaring Trump’s tariffs unconstitutional. These legal setbacks, according to Dr. Segal, lead to what he describes as “narcissistic wounds,” prompting Trump to react with anger rather than professional reflection.
In a commentary from author Michael Wolff, the psychological ramifications of these court losses were explored. Wolff explained that when faced with defeat, Trump often experiences a personal crisis, responding with rage rather than constructive action. “As soon as you say no to Trump, he goes into a rage,” Wolff noted, further illustrating the intense emotional response that accompanies perceived attacks on his authority.
Dr. Segal summarized this behavior as indicative of a fragile psyche, stating, “Any loss means he’s raging around the White House, saying crazy things, and no one is allowed to object to him.” His observations lead to a stark conclusion: “We know that he’s losing ground terribly. We know that he’s losing ground cognitively.”
He cautioned that if Trump continues down this path of deterioration, there may come a time when he is unable to fulfill his responsibilities. “There’s a kind of race to see: does he lose power before he becomes cognitively disorganized?”
Despite these concerns, a report from the White House doctor in April 2023 stated that Trump was “exhibiting excellent cognitive and physical health” and deemed him fit to serve as Commander-in-Chief. The assessment followed a comprehensive physical examination, including neurological tests, where Trump scored a perfect 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment.
The contrasting views on Trump’s cognitive state illustrate the complexities surrounding his public persona and health, igniting ongoing debates about his capacity to lead. As the political landscape evolves, the implications of these findings may play a significant role in shaping perceptions of Trump and his future.
