President Donald Trump’s His health has been under scrutiny since rumors surfaced that he was rushed to Walter Reed Medical Center for a medical emergency. Although this is fake news, Trump’s recent comments and actions have further fueled speculation about his health.
The 79-year-old posted at 3am. He calls himself “very smart.” He threatens to “wipe out entire civilizations” before most people have their morning coffee. He even shared an AI image of himself as Jesus, and when asked why, he said it was because doctors make people better, and so does he.
To this day, many still think this is just “Trump is trump card“But mental health experts say repeated patterns like this deserve a closer look.
What do those 3 a.m. posts really tell us?
Trump’s social media doesn’t follow normal human working hours. He indulges in Truth Social late at night and returns at 7am. The obvious question is, did the president really sleep well? Martin Peters, a UK-based registered mental health professional and chief operating officer of Samapan, believes this question deserves a serious answer.
Peters points to one particular condition that clinicians are concerned about in older patients, behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD). This is a form of dementia that affects more than just memory. It changes a person’s identity, personality, judgment, and ability to socialize. He also points to potential sundowning, a pattern common among people with dementia in which irritability, confusion and restlessness increase markedly as the day turns into night.
“His late-night postings do not equate to sunset, but from a clinical perspective, repeated nighttime restlessness or impulsive communication would be a relevant observation,” Peters said.
Trump is nearly 80 years old. In this context, these are no small things worth noting.
Is he really confident or is there another reason?
“It’s no secret that I’m a very smart guy,” Trump posted without irony. He often refers to himself as a “stable genius.” His supporters see it as a sign of confidence. But psychologists have discovered a pattern worth studying.
“Healthy confidence is typically flexible, reality-tested, and willing to correct, rather than relying on shaming others,” Peters explains. “Granditude becomes concerning when confidence becomes inflated, fragile, self-righteous, dismissive of criticism, or disconnected from evidence.”
Peters said this is nothing new. “Trump has a long history of grandiose and narcissistic behavior, which also manifests in his need to rename buildings after him, add his image to banknotes and passports, and tear down anything done by anyone he thinks might challenge his own narrative.”
Calling yourself a genius can be “political branding.” But psychologically, he added, it also reflects the need to reinforce strengths. Underneath it all, Peters saw something extremely fragile. “It is argued that he is extremely vulnerable due to a lack of education and acceptance from successful people. His interactions with the British monarchy demonstrate his need to be seen as an equal or to be respected, and he appears unable to see through King Charles’s very nuanced and nuanced speech that challenged many of Trump’s actions.”
What is hidden behind the image of Jesus?
In April, Trump posted an AI-generated image of himself, portraying himself as a Jesus-like character. The message was deleted after immediate criticism. His explanation for his post about looking like a doctor is, “I as a doctor should make people better,” he said.
Peters thought this was hilarious. “Leaders sometimes use religious or mythological imagery to represent themselves as chosen, persecuted, heroic, redeemed, or larger than normal politics.”
“This kind of self-mythology is common among powerful political leaders, especially those of a populist or authoritarian style,” he added. It’s all the same with “genius” posts, building renamings, passport photos, grandiose claims, the constant need to be seen as irreplaceable and beyond conventional measures.
Swati Lalwani, psychology consultant at PGT, also adds: “The use of religious imagery can attract attention and evoke strong feelings. It can promote connection with certain groups and may lead followers to believe that the leader has a higher purpose. Sometimes, this is more about maintaining image than genuine belief.”
It also reflects the same need to be seen as a healer, a solver, an irreplaceable figure that runs through much of Trump’s public communications.
Why does he go after everyone who questions him?
“Low IQ.” “Crazy.” “Traitor.” “Bad reporters.” “Stupid people.” Trump’s attacks on reporters and critics are so routine that they barely notice anymore. But Peters thinks they reveal something important.
“His repeated use of insults may suggest emotional defensiveness, narcissistic injury, poor frustration tolerance, or a dominance tactic. Emotionally reactive language can also be used deliberately to control the media cycle, intimidate critics, and signal strength to supporters.”
Peters said the attacks are strongest when Trump’s intelligence, education or standing is called into question, which is where he is most exposed. Aggression in that moment is not confidence. This is protection.
Lalwani added, “This often indicates that they believe they have been attacked and are choosing to retaliate rather than deal with the criticism. This reflects a defensive nature and highlights the challenge of dealing with criticism.”
A pattern for many former world leaders
Trump’s rhetoric surrounding Iran included “the entire civilization will die tonight” and threats to destroy “every power plant and every bridge.” Peters believes this has important clinical and political implications.
“Clinically, this language can reflect emotional intensity, impulsivity, dominant behavior, poor restraint, or escalation of threat. Politically, it can also be performative, designed to frighten opponents, placate supporters, and project strength. Of concern is when dramatic language appears reactive, disproportionate, repetitive, or poorly controlled by the advisor.” Peters also warned that power itself can make existing traits worse.
An unopposed leader gradually loses touch with reality. For people who may be experiencing cognitive decline, this environment becomes very dangerous.
Is a screening test enough for the most powerful man in the world?
The White House has declared Trump in good health. His doctor quoted a perfect Art Department score, which is a standard cognitive screening test. Peters points out what the results don’t cover. “The MoCA is a screening tool, not a complete neuropsychological assessment.”
There are significant differences between basic screening and a thorough, independent assessment, only one of which is currently completed. Notably, Congressman Jamie Raskin has formally called for a fully transparent report, but Trump’s doctor has yet to respond.
