Doctor calls Trump psychotic, cognitive decline
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The gist
Clinical psychologist Dr. Vincent Greenwood said Trump shows clinical psychopathy and warrants the 25th Amendment.
The remarks come before next month's midterms, and experts' claims remain disputed.
Background
Donald Trump, the president, is 80 years old, and questions about his age, mental acuity, memory and neurological health continue to draw coverage. Dr. Vincent Greenwood, director of the Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy, who has conducted more than 1,700 psychological evaluations and has studied Trump for years, gave his assessment to The Daily Beast ahead of next month's midterm elections. Separately, clinical and forensic psychologist Dr. G released an analysis of footage of Trump's Rose Garden appearance and campaign rallies in Arizona and Kalispell, Montana, examining his behavior and claims about his health.
How it unfolded
- Oct 13, 2026President Donald Trump shouts to the press as he boards Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews, Maryland.
- Oct 16, 2026Dr. G, a clinical and forensic psychologist, releases an analysis of footage from Trump's Rose Garden appearance and rallies in Arizona and Kalispell, Montana, examining his public behavior and claims about his physical and cognitive health.
- Oct 21, 2026The Daily Beast publishes a story by Farrah Tomazin quoting clinical psychologist Dr. Vincent Greenwood saying Trump is a "puppet" to psychopathic traits and that invoking the 25th Amendment is warranted.
Who’s saying what
- Expert
- Dr. Vincent Greenwood says Trump exhibits clinical psychopathy marked by impulsivity, remorselessness and a drive to dominate, calls the traits "ominous," and argues his danger is underestimated and warrants the 25th Amendment.
- Expert
- Dr. G questions why the president keeps taking a cognitive test three times, saying professionals usually have a reason when they give assessments.
- Official
- Trump says he has taken a cognitive test three times and "aced it," including at his last physical, calling the questions beyond number 15 very hard.
Still unverified
Psychiatrist Dr. Henry David Abraham's observations about Trump's behavior and possible cognitive decline are described as not confirmed; Trump's cognitive decline is also described in sources as "alleged" and as speculation, with reference to the American Psychiatric Association's Goldwater rule.