Is Trump in a Cognitive Decline?
Concerns about Donald Trump's cognitive health have intensified in recent years, with psychologists, political commentators, and even family members pointing to behavioral and linguistic changes that may suggest neurological decline. Here's a breakdown of the key observations and debates:
Signs Raised by Mental Health Experts
- **Unregulated Digression**: Psychologist Dr. Harry Segal noted Trump’s tendency to abruptly switch topics mid-conversation without a coherent narrative, calling it a red flag for cognitive decline.
- **Motor and Gait Issues**: Dr. John Gartner observed Trump’s slowed walking, frequent tripping, and difficulty exiting vehicles, contrasting it with his athleticism in the 1980s.
**Confabulation**: A term highlighted by The Hill, describing Trump’s vivid but false recollections—such as claiming his uncle told him about teaching the Unabomber, despite the timeline making that impossible.
- **Speech Patterns**: Experts have noted a shift toward simpler vocabulary, repetitive phrasing, and disjointed sentence structures—hallmarks of cognitive impairment.
Psychiatric Evaluations and Public Statements
- **Dr. Lance Dodes** (Harvard-affiliated): Called the evidence of dementia “overwhelming,” citing confusion between Barack Obama and Joe Biden as a sign of reality distortion.
- **Dr. Suzanne Lachmann**: Described Trump’s speech as “word salad,” a trait often seen in dementia patients.
- **John Gartner**: Authored a petition arguing Trump shows progressive deterioration in memory, language, and motor skills.
Family Commentary and Skepticism
- **Mary Trump**, his niece and a longtime critic, claimed Trump is “declining rapidly,” citing his rambling speeches and impulsive decisions like proposing nuclear reactors on the Moon.- However, she lacks direct medical access, and her claims are viewed by some as politically motivated.
Official Medical Reports
- Trump’s annual physical reportedly showed “no abnormalities in his mental status,” though critics argue such exams may not detect subtle cognitive decline.
Broader Implications
- Cognitive health in leadership is not just personal—it affects national decision-making, crisis response, and global diplomacy.
- The debate over Trump’s mental fitness echoes similar concerns raised about other aging leaders, including Joe Biden, making cognitive testing a politically charged issue.Just my view--- While critics claim Trump is in cognitive decline, common sense and recent, observable facts suggest otherwise. Just the other day, Trump was seen on the roof of the White House with a construction crew, engaging with workers during the early stages of a renovation project. That’s not the behavior of someone “declining rapidly.” Consider the physical stamina required to simply get up there, let alone interact in real time with a team of professionals on-site. Most people half his age wouldn't take on such a moment.
In addition, Trump maintains an incredibly demanding schedule for someone nearing 80. He holds weekly golf outings, which aren't just leisure activities; they require physical exertion, balance, concentration, and mental clarity. He travels constantly, delivers speeches often well over an hour, and does so without notes or teleprompters. That kind of unscripted public speaking, often off the cuff, simply doesn’t match the “word salad” narrative critics keep pushing.
As for his so-called “digressions,” it’s worth noting that Trump has always had a conversational, improvisational style. He uses humor, repetition, and storytelling to connect with audiences, not to pass a neurology exam. That doesn’t signify cognitive decline; it reflects a communication strategy that resonated with tens of millions of voters. In contrast, many politicians with “perfect sentence structure” can't hold a crowd’s attention for five minutes, let alone galvanize a stadium.
A while back, Trump underwent his most recent annual medical exam in 2025, and the official report stated he is in good overall health, with no signs of cognitive impairment. The exam included assessments of his mental status, memory, and neurological functions, all of which were found to be normal for his age. Notably, for an almost 80-year-old man, Trump reportedly takes only finasteride (Propecia) for hair loss, highlighting his relatively minimal medication regimen and robust health. If there were any significant concerns, they would have been noted publicly.
The so-called experts raising alarms, including Dr. John Gartner and Mary Trump, have never personally evaluated Trump and often have political motives. Their claims are speculative and lack the backing of direct medical evidence.
Meanwhile, critics conveniently overlook that Trump’s own medical evaluations show no abnormalities, while similar scrutiny is rarely applied to other leaders. For instance, President Joe Biden has shown visible signs of forgetfulness and difficulty with speech in public, yet those issues are often dismissed or ignored.
In the end, actions speak louder than speculative “word salads.” Trump’s energy, recall, physical mobility, and public presence are all inconsistent with the portrait of a man in serious decline. You don’t campaign, debate, travel, golf, and captivate crowds while suffering from the type of deterioration being alleged, at least not in reality.
You spent 4 years on here defending a dementia patient... His wife. VP. Etc knew he was brain dead... By the end all people being honest with themselves knew.
That you or several others on here suffering from TDS have the gall to even bring this subject up is laughable.Thank you --- I mean how could one live that down --- Just saying
I hate to say this, but I think you are suffering from cognitive dissonance when it comes to Trump's latest behaviors. You probably already know this, but I am posting this for the benefit of others.
Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept that describes the mental discomfort we feel when we hold two or more contradictory beliefs, values, or attitudes—especially when our behavior conflicts with those beliefs.
https://youtu.be/Ci83s7iVYI8?si=L57shJ5eydi7PJ6O
https://www.youtube.com/live/ASP-hD8qwY … LotZaRdgu-I was simply pointing out that, in my view, it would be pretty hard to live down being someone who defended Biden’s cognitive issues. My comment had nothing to do with Trump at all. I responded to the subject. I had no reason to divert to Trump in any respect. My context was clearly on the subject.
Here is the conversation and what I replied to--
"You spent 4 years on here defending a dementia patient... His wife. VP. Etc knew he was brain dead... By the end all people being honest with themselves knew.
That you or several others on here suffering from TDS have the gall to even bring this subject up is laughable." Ken
My reply --- "Thank you --- I mean how could one live that down --- Just saying" Shar
As you can see, Zero about Trump....
I was pointing out that, in my view, it would be pretty hard to live down being someone who defended Biden’s cognitive issues. I’m not sure why you think I’m experiencing cognitive dissonance. Personally, I don’t struggle with that. I’m very straightforward. I call a spade a spade and don’t twist reality to suit a narrative. I don’t need to rationalize, deny, or spin things to feel comfortable with my views, because I base them on what I see clearly in front of me. People who experience cognitive dissonance often try to reduce the discomfort by justifying, denying, or changing one of the conflicting elements. Isn’t that exactly what you just did in your reply?
As for me, I’ve always addressed my comments honestly and directly, based on how I actually feel. I don’t shy away from calling things out when they’re wrong ,whether it’s Trump, Biden, or anyone else. I tend to shine a spotlight on what others try to avoid, and I think that’s exactly what tends to rub some people the wrong way. I’m pretty unique in that respect. I mean, you diverted and made this about me, shifting the focus to a perceived conflict instead of actually addressing my original comment. I get it, though, that might be difficult, especially since you were one of the ones who adamantly defended Biden’s cognitive state.
People who experience cognitive dissonance often try to reduce the discomfort by justifying, denying, or changing one of the conflicting elements. Isn’t that exactly what you just did in your reply, and why you did it? You did not want to, perhaps, face you were one who strongly defended Biden's cognitive state. Nothing can erase that, not comparing Trump's cognitive state or anything else... In my view, I feel as I said in my reply to Ken ---
"I mean how could one live that down". Trump's cognitive abilities are a completely different subject.
I mean, you diverted off subject and made this about me and Trump. Shifting the focus to a perceived conflict instead of actually addressing my original comment. I get it, though, that might be difficult, especially since you were one of the ones who adamantly defended Biden’s cognitive state.
Cognitive dissonance can cause tension in a person who feels uncomfortable with someone else's beliefs. People experiencing cognitive dissonance often try to reduce the discomfort by justifying, denying, or changing one of the conflicting elements. As you did in this incident.
As for me, I’ve always addressed my comments honestly and directly, based on how I actually feel. I don’t shy away from calling things out when I think they’re wrong, whether it’s Trump, Biden, or anyone else. I tend to shine a spotlight on what others try to avoid, and I think that’s exactly what tends to rub some people the wrong way. I’m pretty unique in that respect. I am not trying to score points; I am trying to be comfortable in my own skin.I don't have a problem recognizing that I have cognitive dissonance. It's very common in political arguments. What I do have a problem with is what Trump supporters and you are saying on this forum. You and others believe just because Biden has been in cognitive decline does not give me the right to mention that Trump is also exhibiting symptoms of it as well.
Trump is suffering from confabulation.
It's when you tell stories that are not true, but you as the storyteller absolutely believes them. Here are several examples of Trump doing exactly that. These are not opinions, but are verifiable observations
https://thehill.com/opinion/campaign/54 … tia-signs/
https://youtu.be/zuJNQy3FrR0?si=ajw3sEIUEAPJIpPS
https://youtu.be/WPoKvSEPKWo?si=wx3z2YtIcuaRxRKLI consider myself a candid realist. While I acknowledge that cognitive dissonance might occasionally surface in my conversations here on HPs.
" What I do have a problem with is what Trump supporters and you are saying on this forum. You and others believe just because Biden has been in cognitive decline does not give me the right to mention that Trump is also exhibiting symptoms of it as well. PP
I want to be clear that I don’t believe I’ve done what you’re suggesting. If you revisit my very first comment, you’ll see I simply shared my perspective on the subject, even though it didn’t align with your thoughts or beliefs. If the thread wasn’t meant to be open for debate, perhaps that could have been stated upfront. Regardless, I made sure to express my view politely and respectfully
https://hubpages.com/politics/forum/369 … ost4379087
I’m not sure why you feel I’m trying to limit your freedom of speech in any way.
My initial comment was intended to respectfully share my own thoughts without infringing on yours. I can only assume the issue arises because you may not want to hear the other side of the coin. Consider your opening comment; you shared your thoughts, and subsequent comments offered others’ viewpoints. Isn’t that how political conversations typically unfold?This is what Ken Burgess said about my comment in reference to Trump and his cognitive decline.
You spent 4 years on here defending a dementia patient... His wife. VP. Etc knew he was brain dead... By the end all people being honest with themselves knew.
That you or several others on here suffering from TDS have the gall to even bring this subject up is laughable
Here is your reply to Ken about my comments.
Thank you --- I mean how could one live that down --- Just sayingI said that...
Isn't it ironic...
Let me know when Trump gets to the point where he is pooping his pants on stage and tripping over his own feet as he goes up the stairs... Or is just stumbling on a level floor... then maybe we can get worried...
After all... Biden set the bar so low you'd have to be brain dead or comatose to get under it.https://x.com/MarcoFoster_/status/1931815786001359322
https://x.com/KatiePhang/status/1851799262784290962
Need more??
And what in the actual hell was this??
https://x.com/cturnbull1968/status/1951043323440902181I call that desperation by the left.
Sad desperation.
What a shame.When he walks away from his presser and his shoulder decides to go in the opposite direction....odd anyone would ignore that . Yes, a shame.
https://x.com/Acyn/status/1951025775337152776Silly BS... I mean, who buys into clips that are seconds long? I have no respect for this form of mindset. I mean, the sooner no one replies to this kind of post, the sooner we will have more substantial conversations here. I mean, maybe best to let them talk among themselves.
What is this herky jerky??
https://x.com/Acyn/status/1951025775337152776It isn't a "view". The video clearly shows him struggling.
Seeing that reminds me of the the psychological horror film Jacobs Ladder with Tim Robbins. Yup, I know I'm weird
These forums are about convincing the other side that they are wrong as to how they feel about Trump. None of my videos are seconds long. If all the other side has is sarcasm, insults, and self aggrandizing, it becomes apparent that the side that drops out can't handle the truth about Trump.
The real truth only has one side. I'm 86 and will be 87 in a month, God willing. I know I have some cognitive decline because I have CRS, Can't Remember S**t.
Have a great day..I respect your age and life experience, but I’d have to disagree with your take on what a forum is “meant” to be. If the only purpose is to convince the other side they’re wrong, then it’s not really a discussion, it’s a lecture with an audience. A healthy forum should be about exchanging ideas, understanding each other’s reasoning, and examining facts from multiple angles. Sometimes that might change someone’s mind, but often it’s about broadening perspective, not just “winning.”
Also, saying “the real truth only has one side” sounds good in theory, but in politics the truth is rarely that simple, it often depends on how evidence is weighed and interpreted. People can leave a discussion for many reasons besides “not handling the truth,” including tone, time, or just deciding the conversation is going in circles.
In my view, a forum is about offering food for thought, not ruminating endlessly on the same fixed points. If we go into every discussion assuming our side has all the truth and the other side just can’t face it, we’re not debating, we’re preaching. And that’s when forums stop being useful for everyone.For some people they are all about Trump... they have Trump on the brain.
There is a couple for... and plenty against...
And then there are some that are just tired of seeing Trump dropped into every thread regardless of what it is about.
Discussing how AI will impact our futures, the economy, will we be integrated with it and the internet with a Neuralink chip... will we be able to control Tesla robots with them... will the chips control us?
Or discussing the shifting civil/social/religious construction of society in places like France and Sweden where the immigrant population is around 20%+ of the population in such a short period of time, with no insistence on assimilation, that unrest and/or change is sure to follow.
Is China a real threat to supplant America on the global stage... or is it about to collapse in on itself? ...Hard to tell, the 'experts' are predicting both are going to happen, but it can only be one or the other.
The election is over... Trump will have his 3+ years remaining to do what he is going to do... all the venting and ranting really doesn't need to be dropped into every thread.
This isn't two years ago when the choice was between a return to Trump or continuing to self-destruct as a Nation under Biden... your Democrats need to fix your own Party and stop worrying about Trump, there is nothing you can do about him now... you threw everything at him you could, false treason charges, false rape charges, false fraud charges (where the bank said they were happy with the results no less)... tried to have him removed from ballots (a former President... unreal)... tried to assassinate him a couple of times... and have had the media machine working to ruin him for over a decade... none of it worked... get a grip, move on, fix your own Party and stop talking Trump 24/7.Trump's reign of stupidity will be essentially over at the midterm.... Hopefully blue States will also gerrymander Republican representation into oblivion.... You'll have Texas to thank for that.
As the originator of this forum, it is not about Biden and the democratic party. It's about Trump and his declining cognitive ability. Trumpers are always about whatism and Biden when it comes to mentioning anything negative about Trump.
All those things that you said that are false about Trump are actually true. He has made himself untouchable. He is basically a one person government. He and Project 2025 have render congress and the courts as impotent.
If charges are filed against him, his lawyers take it to the appeals courts and it gets hung up indefinitely. It takes literally months are even years to work its way through the court system. He also has immunity from many of the charges you have listed, thanks to SCOTUS.
He has made the majority rule of SCOTUS beholden to him. Therefore, there is nobody above him other than God. The evangelical part of his base have taken care of that. They think he is Mana from heaven because he survived an assassination attempt and he is here to save the world.
The last time I looked, the first amendment gives me the right to criticize Trump just as it gives you the right to criticize me. Just because Biden ended up with mental deficiencies does not preclude my right to point out Trump's cognitive deficiencies as well.The claim that Trump has made himself “untouchable” and functions as a “one-person government” is a gross exaggeration of how American democracy works. While it’s true that Trump and his lawyers have used the courts to delay legal proceedings, this is a common legal strategy and does not mean he is immune or above the law. Cases involving Trump continue to move through the judicial system, and Congress and the courts are still active and independent branches of government; they are not “impotent.”
The idea that the Supreme Court majority is “beholden” to Trump misunderstands the nature of the Court. Although Trump appointed three justices, they serve lifetime terms designed to protect judicial independence. The Court has ruled against Trump’s interests multiple times, including the landmark June 2020 decision blocking the administration’s attempt to end DACA, proving they do not simply follow his wishes. Suggesting there is “nobody above him other than God” is an overstatement that ignores the constitutional limits and rule of law that apply to everyone, including the president.
The claim that Trump’s evangelical base sees him as “Mana from heaven” because he survived an assassination attempt is a fringe narrative and does not reflect the diverse views of his supporters or the American public at large. While many religious voters back Trump for shared values, equating that support to unquestioning worship is inaccurate and dismissive.
You are absolutely right that the First Amendment protects the right to criticize public figures, including Trump. The fact that Joe Biden faces questions about his mental fitness does not negate anyone’s right to raise concerns about Trump’s cognitive abilities. Open, fact-based debate is essential in a democracy. Both are open to scrutiny.
However, this thread was your creation, and you may have hoped that posters would focus solely on your concerns about Trump without making comparisons.
From my experience, though, it seems few respect the original subject of threads here. Honestly, I’ve never started a thread that didn’t quickly turn into a Trump-bashing session. I do my best to respect the topic at hand, as I tried to do here, until the focus shifted away from the original subject.We are no longer a democracy but in name only. Thanks to Project 2025 and Trump. Although his says he knows nothing about it, he and his administration are following it to the letter from his very first day in office..
Here is the link to the Project 2025 Tracker. It shows which projects have already been completed, which are still in work, and which have not been started. Just click on the Start Tracking button and select an agency.
https://www.project2025.observer/enI firmly believe that Trump is not simply following Project 2025 or anyone else’s agenda; he is pursuing his own agenda, one that often diverges from the far-right conservatism outlined in Project 2025. While Project 2025 pushes a very extreme conservative vision for government, Trump’s policies and actions do not fully mirror that ideology. In many ways, Trump charts his own course, blending populism, nationalism, and pragmatism rather than strictly adhering to any pre-set blueprint. Suggesting he is just executing Project 2025 diminishes his role as a leader who has consistently defied establishment norms and party orthodoxies. Democracy is about leaders being held accountable by voters, not about following secret plans. The narrative that Trump is merely a puppet following a radical plan undermines the complexity of political realities and discounts the fact that his support comes from millions who back his vision, distinct from any one faction or document. If anything, the tension between Trump’s agenda and other conservative factions shows the dynamism, not the death, of American democracy.
Trump has pushed some of the most extreme changes we’ve seen in decades, changes that are, ironically, very progressive in their break from the status quo. This was the core of his campaign, and he’s actively working to deliver on those promises. It’s baffling why many liberals can’t seem to grasp this reality. It should be obvious that he won because a large portion of the country wanted real change, more than just the usual politics as usual. Interestingly, in years past, such a desire for major change would have been labeled as liberal. This shows how political labels and expectations have shifted, but the demand for transformation remains strong.Regarding the link you posted. I took a look, but the first claim on the tracker that USAID was specifically mentioned to be cut turned me away.
Upon reviewing the publicly available details of Project 2025, there isn’t a specific, explicit mention of cutting USAID’s budget as a targeted action. While the project broadly did CALL for reducing spending and restructuring various federal agencies, the official documents don’t list USAID budget cuts by name. I don't have time to look at all the claims that this site has posted. I did read a lot of the Project 2025, due to it being so controversial.
Project 2025 calls for major conservative changes like shrinking government, expanding presidential power, cutting regulations, and reorganizing federal agencies, goals that closely mirror what Trump ran on and has been implementing. However, the project wasn’t even developed during his first term, and Trump has championed the same agenda. He shared these beliefs in his private life for many years. So, while his agenda overlaps with Project 2025, in my view, it stems from his own long-held vision rather than the other way around.I love how you can rationalize Trump's negatives and turning them into positives. But here is the true picture of Project 2025
Purpose of Project 2025
Project 2025 is a sweeping conservative initiative led by The Heritage Foundation and backed by over 100 right-leaning organizations. Its goal is to reshape the U.S. federal government in line with traditional conservative values. Here's what it aims to do:
• Centralize Executive Power: It promotes the "unitary executive theory," which would give the president near-total control over the executive branch.
• Restructure Federal Agencies: The plan calls for downsizing or eliminating agencies seen as liberal-leaning or inefficient.
• Enforce Conservative Social Policies: It seeks to roll back reproductive rights, restrict LGBTQ+ protections, and remove terms like “diversity” and “gender equity” from federal regulations.
• Slash Regulations: Particularly those related to climate change, public health, and environmental protection, favoring fossil fuel development and deregulation.
• Overhaul Social Programs: Proposes shifting Medicaid and Medicare responsibilities to states or private entities to reduce federal spending.
• Install Ideological Loyalists: Includes a personnel database and training academy to vet and prepare conservative candidates for federal roles.
How Long Has It Been in the Making?
The current version—“Mandate for Leadership 2025”—is the ninth installment in a series that began in 1981, during the Reagan administration.
This latest edition was launched in preparation for the
2024 presidential election, with the intent to be ready for implementation by a future conservative administration.
Your turn!!!Again my view, and in my view, this is a complicated issue.
I think it’s actually a bit of both. Some of what Trump is doing overlaps with Project 2025, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’s following their complete playbook; a lot of these ideas have been part of his own policy vision for many years. But your list does represent changes he has addressed.
Keep in mind, why it might look like Project 2025: The Project 2025 plan is basically a big conservative wish list, smaller federal government, deregulation, stricter immigration enforcement, rolling back progressive social policies. Trump’s moves, like centralizing executive control, trimming certain agencies, and ending DEI programs, match up with those goals, so critics can easily say, “See? He’s implementing Project 2025.”
Why it could just be Trump’s own agenda: He’s been talking about many of these things since his 2016 run, especially deregulation, immigration crackdowns, and downsizing agencies. Past Republican presidents like Reagan and Bush also took similar steps, so these aren’t unique to Project 2025. And Trump himself has said publicly that he’s not “doing” Project 2025, even though he has hired some people who helped write it.
So, bottom line, yes, in my view, there’s overlap. Enough that people can draw connections. But it’s also fair to say these are things he’s wanted to do all along. Project 2025 and Trump’s platform just share a lot of the same DNA, do they not?
"The Court has ruled against Trump’s interests multiple times, including the landmark June 2020 decision blocking the administration’s attempt to end DACA, proving they do not simply follow his wishes."
He doesn't need the courts wishes. He does everything by Emergency Executive Orders, therefore, circumventing congress and the courts.
https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/all … 52704.htmlI agree that Trump uses executive orders and the courts to push his agenda, but most presidents in recent decades have had to do the same. We have a Congress that, as a rule, doesn’t fully do its job. Trump seems to work around obstacles using any method he can legally get away with, and I feel he must have some pretty sharp constitutionalists advising him on how far he can push the envelope. He’s even invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, an obscure law from the 1700s, in his quest to deport illegal migrants.
Trump has already issued 186 Executive Orders, several of which are in the emergency category.
Isn't it congress' job to act as part of the checks and balances as one of the three co-equal branches of the government? With Trump's emergency orders congress, can't do its job because his orders are implemented immediately, thereby circumventing congress. Are they really emergencies or is he creating emergencies when they really don't exist, like trade wars, Los Angeles, and DC?
Stephen Miller is the one who invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The legality of his use of the Act is very questionable.
.Miller’s interpretation stretches the statute beyond its historical use, applying it to a criminal organization rather than a hostile nation.
While the Supreme Court upheld the administration’s authority in this case, the precedent is fragile and may not survive broader legal challenges or future administrations.
The move has reignited concerns about executive overreach, due process violations, and the erosion of judicial checks on national security claims.Just my view
To address your concern about Congress being bypassed, it’s important to remember that emergency orders and executive actions are designed to take effect immediately; that’s true for any president. The intent is to allow the president to act quickly when a situation can’t wait for the lengthy legislative process. Critics argue Trump sometimes stretches the definition of “emergency,” pointing to trade disputes or crime issues in certain cities. From his perspective, however, these are urgent threats that demand immediate attention before Congress can even begin debating. Moving swiftly also forces the courts to rule sooner, rather than letting the matter get bogged down in political gridlock.
This approach isn’t unprecedented. FDR, Truman, Bush, and Obama all bypassed Congress on major issues they framed as emergencies, even when others disagreed about the urgency. What sets Trump apart is his speed and willingness to confront challenges head-on, which can make it feel like he’s “creating” emergencies. Supporters, however, see it as decisive action, using every legal tool available to address pressing problems without letting slow politics stall solutions.
Trump also appears to view lawsuits as part of the process rather than a barrier. By acting first and allowing the courts to weigh in, he can potentially gain legal validation at the highest level, especially in the Supreme Court, which can set lasting precedent. What some critics call “overreach” may, in his strategy, be a way to clarify constitutional authority and push through actions that Congress is too slow or gridlocked to handle.
It’s a fine line, critics see overreach, supporters see decisive leadership making use of the full powers the law provides.Shar,
A conservative therapist has come up with a theory about TDS.
He believes it impacts people the most who need to tear something down to build themselves up. What they say about President Donald Trump doesn't have to be true or make sense. They experience a sense of moral superiority by obsessing over the actions of one president. It is something that enhances their low self esteem. Truth and reality are not important. The only thing that is of importance is the feeling of increased self worth doing such a thing provides them. It gives those with TDS a purpose.
What do you think?
I believe he could be on to something.I see a lot of logic and common sense in what this therapist is saying. I’d also add that Trump is a man who’s bigger than life, in my view, he couldn’t care less about what people say or feel about him, and that just adds to the anger for some folks when they insult him. People with low self-esteem often can’t stand seeing someone who’s thrived and built a successful life, so it gives them a kind of rush to try to tear him down. The problem is that rush doesn’t last, so they have to keep going back for more, which is why the insults never seem to stop, even when they get so ridiculous that it’s hard to take them seriously.
I am keeping Ukraine in my prayers and hoping for a path toward peace.A conservative therapist has come up with a theory about TDS.
He believes it impacts people the most who need to tear something down to build themselves up (That's Trump). What they say about President Donald Trump doesn't have to be true or make sense. (That's Trump) They experience a sense of moral superiority by obsessing over the actions of one president. It is something that enhances their low self esteem. (That's Trump).Truth and reality are not important.(That's Trump). The only thing that is of importance is the feeling of increased self worth doing such a thing provides them. (That's Trump).
What do you think?
I believe he could be on to something.That’s a clever little twist, but it doesn’t really hold up. Trump isn’t out there obsessively tearing down one person just to feel better about himself; he’s dealing with constant attacks, defending himself, and pushing his policies forward. The original quote described people who wake up every day thinking about how to trash Trump, not the other way around. You must see this, even here in this little-used forum.
And honestly, it’s hard to imagine Trump having low self-esteem. The man has spent decades in the public eye, built a business empire, hosted a top-rated TV show, won the presidency against all odds, and continues to pack arenas with tens of thousands of supporters. Someone with low self-esteem wouldn’t survive a week under that kind of scrutiny, much less thrive in it.
I must say, and I think we’ve shared this before, that Trump definitely has some narcissistic tendencies, but low self-esteem would be the exact opposite. Someone with low self-esteem would shy away from the spotlight, avoid taking bold risks, and crumble under criticism, whereas Trump thrives on attention, pushes forward fearlessly, and seems energized by challenges that would intimidate most people.So can it be said that if somebody speaks the Truth about Trump, that is not a sign of TDS?
Why do I state that?
If someone states verifiable truth about Trump (e.g., his felony convictions, his public statements, his administration’s policies):
By definition, that is not delusion or obsession, it’s observation of fact.
Calling it “TDS” would be a misuse of the label — confusing truth-telling with irrational hatred.
In other words:
Fact-based criticism = Not TDS
Irrational, evidence-free obsession = Could be called TDS
You are full of more crap than a Christmas Turkey. You are talking about the wrong person when it comes to increasing their ego. I don't have low self esteem, but I know someone who does. Trump requires constant admiration and when people are not "nice" to him, he seeks revenge.
He has all the symptoms of an extreme narcissist and master con-artist. The difference between so called "TDS" is we can recognize when we are being conned and manipulated by his constant lying and self-aggrandizing.
MAGA buys into all his BS, because they need an authoritarian figure to guide them. He has tapped into all of that from people who think they have been screwed by the left, which is sheer propaganda that he has created to keep the country divided. But you are in luck because he is becoming more authoritarian with his Marshall Laws as each day passes. .
You are correct, you created this thread and made the topic about Trump and his mental faculties... and anyone who wants to debate it with you is free to do so.
If that is what you want to spend your time on, go for it. But if I start a thread on Space Aliens controlling Earth could you refrain from bringing up how its Trump's fault and all the awful things he did recently... that would be appreciated.
I now leave you to further debate all of Trump's many flaws.
Every tyrant has its Achilles Heel, Ken. We will keep searching in earnest for that of Trump and his regime in general. This is by no means over…..
If this was Biden, would you have been concerned?
https://x.com/Acyn/status/1951025775337152776Shar,
President Donald Trump has made himself 1,000% more available to the press than biden. He constantly takes questions from the press. He works very hard meeting with world leaders. Recently got a peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan. In addition to the peace deals between India and Pakistan and the war in Africa.
biden rarely, if ever, took questions from the press. His press conferences were completely scripted. He eve screwed up reading off of a teleprompter.
So, he bends his shoulder when leaving a press conference and they say that proves he is cognitively impaired?
It is just sad desperation and what a pity they obsess on such trivial things.Mike. All true. I’m honestly surprised anyone on the left would even bring up cognitive abilities; it’s laughable. The very people pushing this nonsense are the same ones who defended a man who was clearly confused, had obvious balance issues, and often seemed unsure of where he even was. So when I heard someone comment on Trump’s cognitive abilities, I’ll admit I was shocked. Why would they have the nerve to bring that up, considering how many times they excused Biden’s confused state? You’d think, logically, they’d steer as far away from that topic as possible. LOL.
In my view, Trump is a man who is spry, full of energy, and shows no cognitive problems whatsoever. He works from morning until night, meets with foreign leaders more often than any president I’ve ever seen, and seems to have something to announce almost daily. He’s on TV nearly every day, and on his so-called “days off,” he’s flying to one of his golf courses for a full day of golf. If anything, that slight twitch people talk about was most likely from a bit of shoulder discomfort, something any golfer can relate to. This is a man who isn’t tripping, falling, or stumbling, he’s dancing, speaking for hours, and clearly loving every minute of it.
They have an endless need to obsess, it’s what they do best. After all, it’s not easy being on the losing side. Many of them predicted Trump couldn’t win—both times—and were proven wrong. No wonder they’ve shown such desperation. I predict it’s only going to get worse, not better.
TDS might be incurable, but it’s definitely not as contagious as it used to be. I mean many have thrown in the towel, and realized they don't want to be associated with the Dems kind of crazy.
And who exactly has been doing the responding to such... hmmmmm?
Why bother even checking in on a forum if you aren't going to respond?? Doesn't make a whole lot of sense. Maybe just stick to forums that echo ones beliefs...
I did respond with those words because that is my honest view. What I find difficult to understand is how someone can now question President Trump’s cognitive abilities when they were so certain that President Biden had no cognitive problems at all. You actively defended Biden’s mental state, insisting there were no issues, yet that perception has proven to be incorrect.
My comment was straightforward and reflected my true feelings without any confusion. I find it a bit inconsistent to defend a president despite clear signs of cognitive difficulties, and then feel confident judging another president’s mental fitness. Since your earlier view on Biden’s cognition turned out to be mistaken, I wonder if it’s fair to be the judge now regarding President Trump.
I think I wanted to make the point, one should not learn from a very obvious mistake. In my view, you have not made a case that could support Trump being cognitively impaired. I have shared with you before, I feel Trump may have some character flaws, off personality traits, or personality disorders. But I have not witnessed any cognitive problems.
He is getting older, but typical healthy aging often brings more patience, emotional stability, and reflection, which don’t always seem to fit Trump’s more impulsive and confrontational style. However, he has traits like strong self-confidence, high energy, persistence, resistance to change, and bluntness. These can also reflect aspects of aging. These show how age influences personality differently in each individual."You actively defended Biden’s mental state, insisting there were no issues, yet that perception has proven to be incorrect.
Proven? By who??
Lol Trump's decline can be written off as quirky personality traits? But those don't exist in anyone else??
Trump speaking on Powell....
"He's a terrible Fed chair. I was surprised he was appointed..."
Dementia? I mean we all know he's a liar...
https://x.com/PettyMakD/status/1945542913414336549Trump openly expressed shock that Biden chose to reappoint Powell. Throughout and after his first term, Trump publicly called Powell one of his biggest mistakes. It was genuinely surprising to him that Biden would bring Powell back. He shared this sentiment repeatedly, both at rallies and in interviews. It seems you’ve accepted media spin without question, spin that falls apart when you consider how often Trump himself has openly stated his surprise over Powell’s reappointment. Do you ever look beyond the surface of media hype?
2019 (various tweets):
“I’m very unhappy with the Fed raising rates. They are making a big mistake.”
“Powell and the Federal Reserve Fail Again. No ‘guts,’ no sense, no vision!”Trump
2019 (various tweets):
“I’m very unhappy with the Fed raising rates. They are making a big mistake.”
“Powell and the Federal Reserve Fail Again. No ‘guts,’ no sense, no vision!” Trump
July 2019 (Rally speech):
“Jerome Powell is the worst Fed Chairman ever. He’s making a big mistake with interest rates.” Trump
October 2021 (at a rally in Iowa):
Trump said:
“I was surprised when Biden kept Powell on. He was one of my biggest mistakes.”
This was widely reported and reflects Trump’s view that Powell’s leadership was a misstep.
July 2022 (interview with Fox News):
Trump stated:
“Powell raised interest rates too fast. It’s one of the reasons the economy is struggling. I thought Biden would replace him, but he didn’t. That shocked me.”
August 2023 (at a campaign event):
Trump criticized Powell’s Fed policies and said:
“Powell has been a disaster for the economy. I made a mistake appointing him, and I’m surprised Biden kept him around to continue the damage.”He didn't say it was a mistake appointing Powell..... He said he was surprised Powell was appointed...
Apparently forgetting, or maybe just lying take your pick, THAT HE APPOINTED THE MAN
Please, we all heard it.
https://x.com/PettyMakD/status/1945542913414336549Or maybe you did not understand the context of the complete conversation. You grabbed a media blurb, and still are unable to understand what was said before and after that one word? I nmean an X --- lol
Don't take the time to share anything that contains an X blurb with me --- I find that insulting.There is no context here....the x "blurb" is Trump making the statement.... It is actual video.
https://x.com/PettyMakD/status/1945542913414336549
He said what he said.
Trump forgets that he appointed him, saying "I'm surprised he was appointed. I was surprised that Biden put him in AND extended him "
Who appointed Powell????? TRUMP
Trump recently proceeded to speak, non-stop and unprompted, for two minutes about windmills, claiming without evidence that they drive whales “loco” ....
Dementia or stupidity?Also....
Trump claimed the US gave $60m “two weeks ago”. He added: “You really at least want to have somebody say thank you. No other country gave anything.
“Nobody acknowledged it, nobody talks about it and it makes you feel a little bad when you do that and you know you have other countries not giving anything, none of the European countries by the way gave – I mean nobody gave but us.”
Trump seemed to not realize or remember that other countries have given money to Gaza...
Dementia? Stupidity? Just lying again?Oh my... For those who continually defend him, make it make sense.
Another example came in mid-July, when Trump claimed his uncle, the late professor John Trump, had taught Ted Kaczynski, better known as the Unabomber, at MIT.
Trump recalled: “I said: ‘What kind of a student was he, Uncle John? Dr John Trump.’ I said: ‘What kind of a student?’ And then he said: ‘Seriously, good.’ He said: ‘He’d correct – he’d go around correcting everybody.’ But it didn’t work out too well for him.”
The problem is: that cannot possibly be true. First, Trump’s uncle died in 1985, and Kaczynski was only publicly identified as the Unabomber in 1996. Second, Kaczynski did not study at MIT.
‘He has trouble completing a thought’: bizarre public appearances again cast doubt on Trump’s mental acuity | Donald Trump | The Guardian https://share.google/8hC4f6GICNwigFq2PSo would this one be in the category of dementia? Or just lying?
Quite a storyNo, it would be a category of understanding the full context of a conversation. Not just taking one sentence and ignoring all that surrounds it.
Taking a break from commenting on your posts. I feel creepy feeding into whatever you get from a string of rants. ByeWise move. I read a reply from you to Kathleen about the loss of constributors to this forum, and I think that rants like this one you pointed out are one of the reasons. It is funny that if Tulsi had pointed out Trump losing billions of military supplies in Afghanistan or freeing up other billions to Iran that person would hail Tulsi as a genius and an awesome whistleblower.
Yes, it seems that just about anyone willing to badmouth Trump is admired by many on the left. I have no respect for that type and haven’t hidden it. By now, it’s become obvious who engages in these rants. Some call this mindset sad, and I used to agree, but I’ve come to believe it’s less about sadness and more about something being deeply wrong. To spend nearly every waking hour fixated on anything Trump-related… well, what more can one say?
What does one derive from such an obsession?You don’t think that there is not a fundamental problem with a leader that fires a seasoned professional from their job for doing their job merely because the products produced was not what he wanted to see or hear?
That is an observation, not an obsession.Oh my-- I did comment on the issue because I saw it as a problem. I don’t believe it was appropriate to fire this woman without offering a reason, and I felt the decision was unfair. While I acknowledged that a president has the right to hire and fire, in this particular case, given the dynamics surrounding her dismissal, I believe he should have provided a public statement explaining the decision.
It was clear that Trump was openly insinuating that this person was cooking the books.
“I have directed my Team to fire this Biden Political Appointee, IMMEDIATELY. She will be replaced with someone much more competent and qualified.” Trump
“She faked the Jobs Numbers before the Election to try and boost Kamala’s chances of Victory… Important numbers like this must be fair and accurate, they can’t be manipulated for political purposes.” Trump
I was aware of what he said and shared my displeasure.
I called it like I saw it.
I just wonder how they are going to deal with life when Trump is not around to blame everything on. It really does seem like a syndrome for some of them.
Hi Doc, I agree, for some people, it really has become a reflex to blame Trump for nearly everything, almost like a built-in excuse. It’s going to be interesting to see what narrative they lean on once he’s no longer in the political spotlight. And I imagine their new target will be the next Republican president. I mean, the Democrats have dug themselves into a very deep hole, one surrounded by people looking down and saying, “Can’t believe you took such a muddy path that ended up putting you in that deep hole.
"I’ve come to believe it’s less about sadness and more about something being deeply wrong."
We know exactly what you mean.
JOB NUMBERS ARE IN...AGAIN
In a desperate attempt to convince Americans to ignore the latest bad jobs report, Trump grabs a chart, shows it to the cameras, no idea what it says, no attempt to explain: “But this chart is pretty amazing. Right here. All new numbers”
This is lunacy. This is idiocy...
https://x.com/MAGALieTracker/status/1953564029882183774Trump continues to direct his ire at cities run by Democrats for what he says is an “out of control” crime wave, despite FBI data showing crime down in every category.... He says he could show us charts.
Lol like this?
So he's a liar or just doesn't understand the stats or what??Does he think Alaska is in Russia?
Trump: "It's embarrassing for me to be up here. I'm gonna see Putin. I'm going to Russia on Friday."
https://x.com/atrupar/status/1954919560840204467What is wrong with him?
Trump: "Now our inflation is down to a perfect number. Hardly any at all. Yet our country is taking in tens of billions of dollars -- trillions of dollars actually in tariffs… paid by other countries."
Fact-Check: This is all false.
https://x.com/RpsAgainstTrump/status/19 … 5711606173
There is no emergency in Washington DC. There is no emergency that justify his tariffs, or his deportations. There was no emergency in LA. Dictators use phony emergencies to justify otherwise illegal acts. The courts need to do their job and slap this down...
Talking about Low Self-Esteem.
Psychologists often note that people with fragile or low self-esteem compensate by:
* Boasting about wealth, intelligence, or power. That's Trump
* Dismissing critics harshly instead of engaging with substance. That's Trump
* Demanding constant praise and loyalty. Boy, is that Trump
Trump exhibits all of these in extreme form. For example:
* He has repeatedly claimed he is a “very stable genius” and that “nobody knows more about [X] than I do” (military, taxes, technology, etc.).
* He reacts to criticism with insults (“loser,” “lightweight,” “low IQ”), which are often projections of his own anxieties.
2. Testimony from Insiders
* Mary Trump (his niece, a trained clinical psychologist) has written that Trump’s outward bravado is a mask for profound insecurity. She described him as suffering from “malignant narcissism,” rooted in a damaged sense of self-worth from childhood.
* Michael Cohen (Trump’s longtime lawyer/fixer) said Trump constantly needed external validation because he fears being seen as weak or poor.
* Even former aides (like John Bolton and Rex Tillerson) reported he cannot tolerate being told he’s wrong, a classic marker of fragile self-esteem.
3. Obsession With Image
* Trump is notoriously obsessed with crowd size (e.g., the inauguration dispute). Now he wants a Nobel Peace Prize ROFL
* He insists on Time magazine covers, claims false achievements (like winning awards he didn’t), and constantly inflates his net worth.
* The need to control perception rather than reality reflects insecurity: those confident in themselves don’t need such constant external validation.
4. The Psychological Interpretation
Most clinical experts avoid diagnosing from afar, but when the subject presents a danger to others, they have a duty to speak out and many have noted his behaviors are consistent with:
* Narcissistic Personality Disorder traits, which often stem from low or fragile self-esteem.
* The pattern is: fragile self-worth → over-the-top grandiosity → defensive rage when criticized.
Conclusion
While Trump "projects" confidence, his:
* compulsive boasting,
* hypersensitivity to criticism,
* obsession with appearances, and
* testimonies from close family and aides
all strongly suggest fragile or low self-esteem, covered up by narcissistic overcompensation.
SO, a Narcissist who has Low Self-Esteem would NOT shy away from the spotlight, would NOT avoid taking bold risks, and NEVER crumble under criticism.
To me, that is case closed.There are many examples of Trump Derangement Syndrome (TDS)
Obsession with the negative and ignoring the positive could also be one of them. There could also be ignoring any fact that doesn't support the negative.Mike, exactly. A perfect example is the way both the media and social media reacted to Trump’s recent meeting with Putin. If you actually listened to what was said live afterward, and then again when Trump spoke on Hannity, you’d hear a consistent call for peace and negotiation. He made it clear this is not America’s war to fight, but he’s willing to encourage talks between Putin, Zelensky, and NATO. That’s constructive and hopeful, yet instead of recognizing the effort, many instantly twisted it into a “failure.” That kind of blind negativity, while deliberately ignoring the positives, is the very definition of Trump Derangement Syndrome. Facts aren’t just being overlooked; they’re being ignored to feed a true sickness.
Mike, it's wiser not to give them words, but to remain silent. Feeding an obsession only makes it worse.This is from Fox News, Hannity's page, when Trump was being interviewed by him. I'm sure you trust Trump's answers, but without anybody to question him further, how do you know he is not just making up the whole story. Especially the parts about Biden and the election being rigged?
You trust what he is saying, I don't without proof that is what actually transpired. Trump doesn't call it lying, he calls it truthful hyperbole. TDS can be thought of as Trump Denial Syndrome. I see Trumpers in denial as to what he is really about.
Here are the key takeaways from Trump’s highly anticipated meeting with the Russian leader as shared with Hannity.
"President Donald Trump was tight-lipped after his high-stakes summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday but offered some key insight into the meeting to Fox News’ Sean Hannity in an exclusive interview."
1. ‘No deal until there’s a deal’
Trump told Hannity that “as far as I’m concerned, there’s no deal until there’s a deal.” He noted, however, that “we did make a lot of progress.”
2. Putin ‘wants to see it done’
The president noted to Hannity that he believes Putin is not only open to peace but that he “wants to see it done.”
3. Not prepared to share what the sticking point was
Pressed by Hannity to share what the “one big issue you don’t agree on” that kept the leaders from walking away with a ceasefire deal, Trump declined to share. He said, “No, I’d rather not. I guess somebody’s going to go public with it, they’ll figure it out, but no, I don’t want to do that, I want to see if we can get it done.”
4. Up to Zelenskyy and Europeh
After taking such a major step as to physically meet with the Russian president, Trump said it is now “up to [Ukrainian] President [Volodymyr] Zelenskyy to get it done and maybe the European nations, they have to get involved a little bit.”
5. Trump open to trilateral meeting
The president said that he would be open to attending a trilateral meeting with the presidents of Ukraine and Russia, saying, “If they’d like, I’ll be at that meeting. They’re going to set up a meeting now between President Zelenskyy and President Putin and myself, I guess, not that I want to be there, but I want to get it done.”
He added, “I’ll be there.”
6. Meeting a ‘10’
Trump said that he would rate the meeting a 10 out of 10, saying, “I think the meeting was a 10 in the sense that we got along great.”
7. Russia respects America now
Asked what he thought finally brought Putin to the negotiating table, Trump answered, “I don’t want to say anything brought him, he’s a very smart guy, nothing brought him to the table, so to speak.”
“I think he respects our country now, he didn’t respect it under Biden, I can tell you that, he had no respect for it.”
8. No war if Trump was in office
Trump also commented that he “was so happy” that Putin shared his belief during their joint press conference that the Russia-Ukraine war would have never happened had he been in office at the time.
9. Advice to Zelenskyy
Without hesitating, Trump said that his advice to Zelenskyy after Friday’s meeting with Putin would be “make a deal.”
10. 2020 election rigged
Trump shared that Putin told him he believed the 2020 election was rigged because of the widespread mail-in voting, saying, “you can’t have a great democracy with mail-in voting.”
Here is the actual link to prove I didn't make this up.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump- … -interviewJust my view, I can respect your thoughts, I just came out the other end with a different one. I have made an effort not to read into what was said by either man after the meeting or the Hannity interview. I felt their words were very straightforward. I am not sure there is room to read into anything I heard.
I watched the interview, and I’m not sure where you’re going with your comment. I read points 1–10, and he clearly did cover everything you listed. From my perspective, what he said on Hannity reflected his truth; he didn’t sugarcoat anything. Perhaps you could give an example of what specifically rubbed you the wrong way.
I think he has been extremely straightforward about the war, very clear in his desire to negotiate peace, and firm about not wanting to continue paying for it, saying, as he puts it, ‘It’s not my war.’ My common sense tells me he could have ignored it, like Biden did, avoiding stress and negative press, but instead, he has faced the challenges head-on, taking extraordinary steps despite the backlash.
I’ll admit that some may view Trump’s character negatively, but failing to give credit where it’s due really leaves me scratching my head. If he were going to exaggerate, I would expect it to be something suggesting he was certain he could end the war, but he didn’t. Nothing he shared struck me as unrealistic. He has clearly stated he will continue with negotiations and even has a scheduled meeting with Zelensky on Monday. He is just beginning the process, yet oddly, some seem to expect everything to be resolved in a single meeting.
He has been clear for weeks about his approach: if a deal cannot be made, he will walk away. I was encouraged that the meeting lasted three hours, and the follow-up with Zelensky this Monday seems promising. I have some hope that, if negotiations continue, progress can be made and the killing may stop. I am pulling for peace.
I always enjoy our back and forths.The essence of our differences are, you trust Trump and believe he is telling the truth. I don't trust what he says because he has proven to me and others that he was and is a constant liar, even to the point of him believing his own lies. MAGA doesn't care about that because he has led them to believe that all the woes in the country are created by liberal democrats.
In his first day in office, in his first term, he called the MSM the fake news. When he was questioned about that he said if I do something wrong, I can always say don't trust the fake news. He has used that ploy through out time in and out of office. However he uses Fox and MAGA news outlets to propagate his lies as truths.
In his first term he lied or misinformed over 30,000 documented times. Out of office he lied about the election being rigged when he knew damn well he lost the election. Jan. 6 was a catastrophe that he and his cohorts created as outlaws to try to overturn the results of the election. He brands his opponents with derogatory names. He does it constantly to devalue their worth to his base. He has pardoned all who arrested because of Jan. 6 because they like him.
Accountability is a big factor in my distrust of him. He has been charged with so many crimes, but now he has immunity and is now getting revenge from all those who he thinks have wronged him.
He creates emergencies when there is no need for them including, the LA, DC fiasco, national debt, and trade wars.. I can go into the details of each them, but hopefully you get my point.
I can go on and on about why I don't trust him. I think he is a very complex individual with many factors in play. I have learned he had a terrible childhood. thus, the narcissism. He learned how to use name calling from his dad. He learned how to never admit guilt from Roy Cohn. He learned positive spin from his neighbor Norman Vincent Peale, He learned how to divide and conquer from his military school, and now he has a group of influencers who live in his head rent free, namely: Stephen Miller, Steve Bannon, Peter Navarro, and Susie Wiles. like I said, I could go on and on, but it would turn out to be a book.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it. Have a great day.I can see you’ve thought a lot about what you penned. For me, I try to look at things through a very common-sense lens, and I’ve learned over time that the media often twists narratives to suit a story. I don’t automatically dismiss criticism of Trump, but I do try to look deeper and find context, because I’ve seen situations where what he said or did was portrayed in a very different light.
When I hear people say “he lied thousands of times,” I take a step back and ask, are we talking about actual lies, or are we counting exaggerations, opinions, or things taken out of context? I think that distinction matters. On the flip side, I also hold all politicians to account, because I don’t believe dishonesty is one-sided in Washington.
As for Jan. 6 and other events, I’ve read testimony that makes me believe there’s more complexity there than the mainstream narrative suggests. I also don’t think every person who supports Trump is blindly following him; we just see different priorities.
Not everyone falls into neat groups, and I think it’s wiser to keep a level head, eyes and ears open, and not buy into something just because it happens to suit my own beliefs or narrative. While I respect that you don’t trust him, I don’t share the same view. I don’t expect to change your mind, but I think it’s fair to say that people like me aren’t ignoring flaws; we’re weighing them against what we see as his strengths and the issues that matter most to the country.Mike, you can't win against the willingly blind.
Only Trump cult members won't understand what you are getting at.
To say something is ‘true for any president’ is a classic way to deflect from really bad behavior as is the case with Trump.
Yes, all presidents have access to emergency powers, but most have treated them as tools for extraordinary circumstances—natural disasters, national security crises—not, as Trump does all the time, as shortcuts around Congress whenever they feel impatient or politically frustrated.
What’s different with Trump is not that he uses the same mechanism as past presidents, but that he almost ALWAYS stretches the very definition of ‘emergency’ to cover routine political disputes, like tariffs or crime in cities. That’s not swift governance—it’s governance by end-run, where speed becomes an excuse to avoid accountability. Courts are then forced into the role of referee, not because the situation is urgent in reality, but because Trump frames it as such for political gain.”democrats did this.
The two things democrats love more than anything is criminals and illegal aliens.
Americans want a government that values its citizens as well as law and order.
democrats can't comprehend this fact.Tell me more about how your group values law and order...
Video shows Department of Justice official urging Jan. 6 rioters to 'kill' cops...
Police bodycam footage introduced at the trial of Jared Wise showed him berating police officers on Jan. 6, 2021, and yelling "kill 'em" as rioters attacked law enforcement.
Less than five years after urging rioters to "kill" police at the Capitol, a former Jan. 6 defendant is working as a senior adviser for the Department of Justice..."
https://x.com/mjfree/status/1953556889327087897That is UnFing Believable!!!! Anybody who thinks that is right is unfit to be an American.
Why did your group defund the DC police ???
DC prepares for $1 billion budget cut after House passes bill – NBC4 Washington https://share.google/pb6FOKj6nECFDjlKh
"The federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department has reignited a debate over a $1 billion hole in the city’s coffers, the result of a mistake in a government spending bill passed by Congress in March. Now, with extra policing resources being poured into the city, Democrats are incredulous that the administration has enacted federal emergency powers while not approving the use of money RAISED FROM THE CITY'S TAX BASE .
From MSN ....WHICH IS NOT MSNBC...
DC goes without $1B in public safety funds as Trump’s takeover continues https://share.google/FAkR0v09QCjyiSIh3Doesn't "remaining silent" mean you lost? That you aren't able to use reason and facts to prove your point like those of us on my side do?
"Trump isn’t out there obsessively tearing down one person just to feel better about himself;"
Let me count the ways. Let's start with "She's a nasty woman."I would appreciate it if you quote me; you quote my full thought, not just one sentence. One sentence does not share the context of what I hope to share. I realize this form of quote has, for a better word, become a trend with some. Here is the full statement I shared, where you grabbed a blurb from ----
"That’s a clever little twist, but it doesn’t really hold up. Trump isn’t out there obsessively tearing down one person just to feel better about himself; he’s dealing with constant attacks, defending himself, and pushing his policies forward. The original quote described people who wake up every day thinking about how to trash Trump, not the other way around. You must see this, even here in this little-used forum." Sharlee
As one can see, its context reflects and implies something much more complex than the one sentence you quoted.
You actually used an example that reinforces the point I was trying to make about People Power. Yes, Trump did insult Hillary Clinton, but it was part of a back-and-forth exchange. Could it have been his way of responding to her own nasty remarks? Possibly. Do two wrongs make a right? Of course not, at least not in my view. But can we really look at only one side of the coin and ignore what may have sparked the exchange? I don’t think so, that would be hypocritical. To disregard the insults directed at Trump while criticizing only his response feels very selective, and I believe logic should guide us when forming an argument.
In the example you gave, “she is a nasty woman”, isn’t it reasonable to consider that Trump may have been reacting to the many insults Hillary had already thrown his way? Now, personally, I think he would have been better off ignoring her and letting people form their own judgments. He could have taken the high road, but instead he joined her in the mud. I don’t endorse that kind of exchange, but I also recognize it has become more normalized in today’s political climate. And I’ll admit, as much as I dislike it, I’ve sometimes fallen into that same game myself.
“Basket of deplorables” (2016) – At a fundraiser, Clinton said:
“You could put half of Trump’s supporters into what I call the basket of deplorables. Right? The racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic, Islamophobic — you name it.”
On Trump himself (2016) – During the campaign she called him:
“A bully… a bigot… someone who traffics in conspiracy theories and who has a temperament unfit to be president.”
On Trump’s supporters (2022 interview) – She said many Republicans had gone to the “extreme” and that Trump voters were supporting “authoritarianism” and “a cult.” Or should we ignore one's remarks over another's? Do two wrongs make a right? Is it hypocrisy to only note one's remarks over another's? Is it not fairer to show both sides of a coin?
On Trump’s base (2023 interview with CNN) – She said:
“Maybe there needs to be a formal deprogramming of the cult members in the Republican Party.”
He has no conscience, no empathy” (2016 rally in Reno)
“Trump is taking hate groups mainstream, and helping a radical fringe take over one of America’s two major political parties. He has no conscience, no empathy, no shame.”
“A convicted rapist’s defender, a liar, and a bully” Hillary Clinton
Trump: "If it's bad, if it's something I don't see a future in — I'm gone, I'll leave. I don't have to do a press conference, I'll just say 'Not going to be a deal, I'm out of here' and I go back to the United States."
My God.... Does he not understand that Alaska is the United States???
Mental decline? Or just stupidity?
https://x.com/BulwarkOnline/status/1956484555486945521I missed that sign of cognitive decline - good catch, even though there are SO MANY of them over the last several years.
I seriously doubt anybody is waking up in the morning thinking about how to trash Trump. The simple reason is there is NO NEED TO. On a daily basis Trump provides new fodder for new criticism. That is simply his nature. It is a shame his apologists don't see that.
Here are a bunch of examples of what Trump apologists are willingly and willfully blind to and why people keep pointing out that Trump is a BAD MAN.
"Judge blocks Trump FTC’s ‘retaliation’ against liberal media watchdog" - https://www.wishtv.com/news/politics/ju … -watchdog/
"Judge blocks Trump guidance that threatened DEI programs in schools" - https://www.aol.com/news/judge-blocks-t … CERvJQYOEQ
"Federal judge blocks Trump administration’s broad birth control mandate exemptions" - https://www.aol.com/news/federal-judge- … 59305.html
"Fourth ruling blocks Trump birthright citizenship order nationwide" - https://thehill.com/regulation/court-ba … r-blocked/
"Judge temporarily blocks Trump's order targeting law firm: 'Shocking abuse of power'" - https://abcnews.go.com/US/judge-blockin … =120836536
"White House Backs Off ‘Hostile Takeover’ of D.C. Police Chief Role" - https://time.com/7310140/dc-national-gu … hatgpt.com
ISN'T IT AMAZAING CHILDRN MUST BE PROTECTED FROM TRUMP
"Judge denies Trump administration request to end a policy protecting immigrant children in custody" - https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/jud … hatgpt.com
"Judge orders Trump administration to partially restore UCLA research funding" - https://www.politico.com/news/2025/08/1 … hatgpt.com
When you step back and look at these rulings collectively, it’s striking that so many of them involve protecting fundamental rights, democratic norms, or vulnerable groups. It is difficult to understand how any fair-minded, patriotic American could view all of these actions as appropriate in a democracy.
And yet, when these concerns are raised, critics are too often dismissed with accusations of “TDS” rather than being met with substantive facts or reasoned arguments. That avoidance only underscores the seriousness of the issues at hand.Trump on Bowser: "She's gotta on the ball. I don't want to see phony numbers. DC hit an all time high last year of absolute total crime, and it continued pretty bad, and then we put some strength into it and got the numbers down a little bit ... they're all going out to dinner now."
MAGA, is this true????
Did the district experience an all time high in crime last year ??? PLEASE ADVISE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION TO THIS MATTER
It's odd that maga supports a candidate who lies, has no ethics or morality.
https://x.com/atrupar/status/1958898295972978783Federal prosecutors have launched a criminal investigation into whether the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) in Washington, D.C., manipulated crime data to make the city appear safer than it actually is. The investigation is being handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia. It began with Commander Michael Pulliam, who led the 3rd Police District and was placed on administrative leave in mid-May following allegations that he downgraded serious offenses, such as stabbings or carjackings, from violent classifications to lesser ones. Pulliam denies the accusations, and the probe now appears to be expanding to examine whether other police or city officials were involved in similar practices.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged that the White House had “reconfigured” crime statistics to support Trump’s messaging, even as the DOJ investigation continues. Meanwhile, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Police Chief Pamela Smith have emphasized their full cooperation with the investigation, stating that the suspected data issues seem confined to a limited number of cases and do not undermine the overall downward trend in crime. The D.C. Police Union, however, has been highly critical, describing the reported major drop in violent crime, 35% in 2024 and an additional 25% through mid-2025, as “preposterous” based on frontline police insights, and insisting that downgrading crime classifications is common practice, which casts doubt on the official figures.
In context, even before this investigation, many residents felt that crime “still felt bad” despite declining statistics, and the ongoing probe has only deepened that disconnect. Whether the official numbers accurately reflect reality or have been skewed, public confidence is clearly shaken. If the investigation finds systemic manipulation, it could fundamentally change how the city’s reported crime trends are interpreted. Even if limited, the existence of the probe raises suspicion and contributes to ongoing public frustration
Guess we once again see an investigation that will provide facts on who is correct in their accusations. No way at this point of trusting the stats until the investigation offers some facts.Did the district experience "an all time high in crime last year"
The answer is no and that Trump is lying yet again."Did the district experience "an all time high in crime last year"
The answer is no and that Trump is lying yet again." Willow
The answer is in my post; I shared my view. Now you have shared yours. Repetitive at all? Not interested in beating a dead horse.The answer is "Trump is a liar but we dont care."
DING DING DING AND WE HAVE THE CORRECT ANSWER.
"No way at this point of trusting the stats until the investigation offers some facts.
My God.... LOL Trump has people questioning their very existence now doesn't he? And I am to disregard the stats but believe in investigation launched by a pathological liar??? Nah."My God.... LOL Trump has people questioning their very existence now doesn't he? And I am to disregard the stats but believe in investigation launched by a pathological liar??? Nah." Willow
Trump has nothing to do with my questioning of what I read and hear in the media. I simply watch, listen, and notice the mistruths they keep pushing out. Honestly, I’m somewhat proud to be part of the group that challenges this misinformation—people who take the time to research when a single sentence is pulled out of context, only to find that the full paragraph tells a very different story than what the producer hoped we’d blindly accept. So, I think I’ll stick with seeking truth and facts, not “if it comes, maybe, or this could be’s,” and otherwise just using common sense.
I in no respect believe Trump is a liar --- save your rhetoric, your labels for someone who cares about such a view.Trump's claims about crime in Washington DC are not true. He is lying. He is a liar who lies incessantly.
expert after expert have stated that these statistics in particular are very reliable.
Maga Folks who post on this forum use statistics from all of these sources regularly.... Guess that'll have to stop until they're all investigated LOL. Hopefully this group will take care not to post statistics anymore."expert after expert have stated that these statistics in particular are very reliable." willow
Who would that be? I have not read any posts where anyone posted expert accounts to verify statistics on DC crime. What experts? Offer permalink.
And the only links you posted regarding this issue were posts at X. I very rarely see anyone but you use X as a source. Anyway, I shared my view and prefer to wait to see what the investigation reveals.Trump’s portrayal of Washington, D.C. right now is highly contested—and whether it qualifies as “lying” depends on which facts you prioritize and how you interpret his framing.
What Trump Is Saying
• He’s declared that violent crime in D.C. is out of control, calling the city a “hellhole” and threatening a complete federal takeover.
• He claims that local officials are publishing “fake crime numbers” to create a false sense of safety.
• He’s deployed 800 National Guard troops, placed the D.C. police under federal control, and appointed an Emergency Police Commissioner.
• Trump insists that since the federal intervention, crime has dropped dramatically, even claiming there were “no murders this week for the first time in memory”.
What the Data Shows
• According to the Metropolitan Police Department, violent crime in D.C. is down 27% in 2025 compared to 2024.
• The Attorney General’s office reported that crime is at a 30-year low, contradicting Trump’s narrative.
• Independent reporting confirms that carjackings, robberies, and overall violent crime dropped in the week following the National Guard deployment—but crime was already trending downward before that.
So, Is He Lying?
It’s more accurate to say Trump is exaggerating and selectively framing the situation:
• He’s ignoring official data that shows long-term crime reduction.
• He’s using short-term drops post-deployment to claim sweeping success.
• His rhetoric—like “bad things will happen” if local officials don’t comply—leans into intimidation rather than collaboration.
Whether that’s a “lie” or a strategic distortion depends on your threshold for political spin. But it’s clear that his narrative clashes with the data and has sparked legal and constitutional challenges from D.C. officials.
https://mpdc.dc.gov/dailycrimeHe's lying about the statistics. The man is a liar.
AGAIN... I USE X FOR VIDEO CLIPS NOT SOURCES.
Haven't you posted crime stats from various cities? Blue cities? Compiled by the same sources that compile DC stats?
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