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Experts warn against remote diagnoses as criticism of Trump's behavior intensifies in the US and abroad
It's tempting to label powerful politicians as mentally ill. But psychiatric diagnoses are often politically motivated. Even experts advise against it, even when they notice unusual behavior in US President Donald Trump.
After Trump posted an image of himself as Jesus and then claimed that the photo showed him as a doctor, a meme went viral on social media. It showed the US president standing next to Jack Nicholson and Will Sampson (as Elder Bromden) in the movie “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” All three were wearing psychiatric hospital garb. Nicholson asks, “Why are you here?” Trump replies, “I can’t decide whether I’m Jesus or a doctor.”
"Why are you in here?"
— Mats Nilsson (@mazzenilsson) April 15, 2026
"I can't decide whether I'm Jesus or a doctor." pic.twitter.com/q5vpcokeHk
For many, that sums up the situation. For days, Trump has dominated the headlines with his behavior and statements. He threatened to “bomb Iran into the Stone Age” and destroy an entire civilization. A warning to the Iranian leadership on Easter he ended with “Praise be to Allah.” A little later, he also clashed with Pope Leo. The climax was the publication of his image as the Messiah.
It almost went unnoticed that he was also filmed picking up a McDonald's order at the White House. It was a PR stunt for the repeal of the tip tax. In an unusual scene, Trump asked the delivery girl in front of reporters if she had voted for him and what she thought of "men in women's sports." She answered vaguely.
Erratic behavior, unclear statements
For commentators, journalists, comedians and political opponents, the conclusion is clear: Trump has gone insane, in the psychiatric sense. Even during his first term there was speculation about his mental state. But now, in the context of the conflict with Iran, uncontrolled outbursts, slips and slurs in speeches are interpreted as pathological signs. Even some former supporters, such as Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene or right-wing commentators Candace Owens and Alex Jones, speak of a new level of “madness”. According to them, the way Trump speaks shows that “his brain is not working properly”. Democrats have also expressed themselves in this line. Nancy Pelosi, asked why Trump published the image as Jesus, said: “Ask a psychiatrist. This requires a diagnosis, not a conversation.”
Experts and international reactions
Several experts have issued public assessments. Psychologist John Gartner has stated that Trump’s “rapid mental decline” is evident and that he is showing “clinical signs of dementia.” In Iran, too, psychological organizations have called for an evaluation of his mental state, calling him a threat to world peace and citing impulsivity, lack of empathy, and narcissism as possible indicators of personality disorders.
However, these reactions are also seen in the context of political propaganda. Even in the rest of the world, many observers consider Trump to be deeply narcissistic, but this is not enough for legal measures such as impeachment.
Against remote diagnoses
Experts point out that diagnoses without a personal examination are against professional ethics. In the US, the "Goldwater rule" applies, according to which psychiatrists should not diagnose public figures without treating them directly.
Psychiatrist Allen Frances, one of the authors of the criteria for narcissistic disorder in the DSM-5, has warned against pathologizing political behavior. According to him, Trump may be narcissistic, but not necessarily mentally ill. The easy use of psychiatric terms risks relativizing responsibility and distracting attention from the real consequences of policies.
He points out that labeling a leader as "crazy" can also serve as an excuse for his actions.
Between strategy and perception
Some analysts suggest that Trump's behavior may be partly strategic. The concept of the "madness theory," associated with Richard Nixon, holds that a leader who appears unpredictable can intimidate opponents and gain an advantage. Trump may also benefit from this approach in communicating with his supporters, who see his style as authentic.
According to former Attorney General William Barr, Trump has said that the secret to a good tweet is “the right amount of madness.” However, it remains unclear how much of this behavior is calculated and how much is not. Trump himself strongly disputes claims of mental problems, highlighting good scores on cognitive tests and calling himself “a very mentally stable genius.” The debate over his mental state remains open, but one thing is clear: the use of psychiatric diagnoses in politics remains a sensitive and controversial issue. /Adapted from NZZ /
Shikoni ate psikopatin tuaj komunistin e fundit te Evropes non gratan Sali Berisha e mos u merrni me Presidentin e nderuar Donald Trump.
Eshte top si kokrra e molles, mos u shqetesoni hiç. Te pakten shkallet e air force one i ngjit si djale i ri, urdherat ekzekutiv i firmos me doren e vet dhe publikisht (ato me te rendesishmet) dhe jo me autopen. Per ate gjyshin qe hante vetem akullore nuk thate asgje ne 4 vite. Dhe mos tju vije keq, osé jeni komuniste, osé keni nje urrejtje patologie, se ju ka kapur sindroma TDS, osé ju paguajne vetem per te shkruar pislleqe.