Psychologist Highlights One Incident That ‘Gave Away’ President Trump Having ‘Dementia’

Claims about Donald Trump’s cognitive health have resurfaced online after a viral post linked to an article citing a US psychologist who suggests the former president may be showing signs associated with dementia.

The article focuses on comments attributed to John Gartner, a psychologist and former Johns Hopkins University faculty member. Gartner has long criticised Trump’s behaviour, previously describing it as “malignant narcissism,” and now argues that Trump’s public conduct reflects cognitive decline.

Gartner is quoted as saying that a comparison between Trump’s appearances from decades ago and today would, in his view, make signs of dementia obvious to a neuropsychologist. He bases this opinion on observation rather than a clinical examination.

According to the report, Gartner points to changes in Trump’s speech, including a more limited vocabulary, simpler sentence structure, repeated phrases, and frequent shifts between topics, which he interprets as indicators of deterioration.

The article highlights a 2023 incident in which Trump repeatedly referred to “Obama” while discussing matters involving President Joe Biden. Gartner claimed that making the mistake multiple times suggested more than a simple slip.

The story gained traction on social media, where users debated whether the episode reflected cognitive problems, a speaking habit, or intentional rhetoric. Reactions were divided, with some dismissing the claims and others finding them concerning.

The White House rejected the accusations, saying Trump has released medical reports showing good health. The renewed debate reflects broader concerns in US politics about the age and fitness of senior leaders, alongside ethical questions about diagnosing public figures without direct examination.