Psychotherapist’s Trump Warning Ignites Fresh Debate Over Mental Fitness, Presidential Power, and National Security

A new political and mental-health controversy is gaining momentum after psychotherapist Dr. John Gartner, founder of the advocacy group Duty To Warn, issued a public alarm about Donald Trump’s mental fitness and what Gartner describes as increasingly risky leadership behavior.

Gartner’s comments—focused on Trump’s recent speeches, media appearances, and social media posts—have sparked a loud reaction across the political spectrum. Supporters say the warning raises legitimate concerns about cognitive decline, judgment, and temperament. Critics argue it crosses ethical lines and turns psychology into a political weapon.

What Gartner Says Is Changing—and Why It Matters

According to Gartner, Trump’s public communication shows signs he interprets as growing confusion, heightened self-focus, and a stronger tendency toward grand claims. He has pointed to moments where Trump has compared himself—directly or indirectly—to towering historical and religious figures such as Jesus, Julius Caesar, Napoleon, and Alexander the Great.

Gartner argues these comparisons should not be dismissed as ordinary campaign bravado. In his view, they suggest an escalating level of self-glorification that could affect decision-making—especially in high-pressure situations where restraint and clarity are critical.