Key Takeaways

• A top psychologist says President Trump hates health reports because they expose a secret.
• Trump’s furious posts on Truth Social aim to prove his mental strength.
• As a malignant narcissist, he feels forced to look powerful.
• Experts spot signs of physical decline like face drooping and weak coordination.
• His rage shows he fears losing control over his image and health.

President Trump has repeatedly attacked major papers for writing about his health. He slammed The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times for stories on his physical and mental state. Moreover, he claimed on Truth Social that he “aced” multiple cognitive tests. He also called the NYT the “enemy of the people” and demanded an investigation into their reporting.

Recently, on The Daily Beast Podcast, Dr John Gartner explained why these “Trump health” stories set the former president off. He argued that Trump sees these reports as a threat, not just to his reputation but to his power. Furthermore, Trump knows he is hiding certain problems. As a result, he lashes out to protect himself.

The Psychology Behind Trump Health Outbursts

Dr Gartner, a former psychology professor, said no story angers Trump more than one on his health. First, Trump fears that readers will learn what he wants to conceal. Second, as a malignant narcissist, he must always project strength. He can handle being hated, but he cannot risk looking weak. In his view, weakness equals danger.

Narcissistic leaders often react with rage when they face threats to their image. They see every critique as an attack on their identity. For Trump, health reports play right into that fear. If people believe he struggles mentally or physically, they might doubt his leadership. Consequently, he responds with anger and dismissal.

Trump’s Clash With Top Newspapers

When The Wall Street Journal published a story on his health, Trump exploded. He claimed on Truth Social that he performed perfectly on cognitive exams. Yet, he did not share proof. Instead, he called the Journal dishonest. Then, he turned on The New York Times for similar coverage. He branded them “enemy of the people” and demanded investigations.

However, these attacks only draw more attention to the reports. Each furious statement encourages readers to dig deeper. Moreover, by attacking major outlets, Trump tries to force them to retract or ease up. He believes that fierce pushback can control the narrative.

Visible Signs of Strain in His Body

Dr Gartner pointed to several moments that hint at real trouble. He mentioned Trump’s difficulty using his right side. For example, he failed at flipping a coin during the Army and Navy game. Also, he struggled to salute with his right hand. These small actions suggest his psychomotor skills are slipping.

Furthermore, the psychologist noted right-side face drooping when Trump dozed off. That kind of sagging can be a sign of a past stroke. In addition, reports describe him complaining about sore ankles and fatigue. All these signs fuel concerns about his overall health rather than just mental sharpness.

Why He Can’t Ignore These Reports

Even though Trump insists he is fine, he cannot stop the rumors. As soon as medical experts hint at problems, new stories appear. Moreover, social media and cable news pick up on every detail. Therefore, Trump feels a need to fight back quickly and loudly.

According to Dr Gartner, Trump’s core fear is that his “Achilles heel” will show. He knows that once people see weakness, they lose respect. Yet, his reactions are often involuntary. The reports trigger an emotional alarm, and he lashes out before he can think. Sadly, each outburst validates the idea that he is hiding something.

A Closer Look at the Cover-Up

In addition, Trump’s team has released selective medical summaries in the past. They boast about his good numbers—like cholesterol or blood pressure. However, those reports leave out unsettling details. For instance, they mention a physical exam but not every test result. Thus, critics say the summaries are designed to hide any red flags.

Moreover, Trump’s insistence on secrecy feeds speculation. If everything were normal, he would merely share full records. Instead, he attacks anyone who asks for them. As a result, the controversy grows. Each new demand for transparency meets a wall of denial and insults.

The Impact on Public Trust

This battle over Trump’s health does more than rile him up. It also affects how people view the news. Supporters often switch off outlets labeled “fake news.” Meanwhile, critics dig for leaks and expert opinions. Consequently, the public splits into camps that trust different sources.

Nevertheless, open discussions about a leader’s fitness are crucial. Voters deserve to know if someone in power can handle the job. Therefore, journalists keep pressing these issues. In turn, Trump reacts with anger again, fueling more coverage.

What Comes Next?

As long as these health reports continue, Trump’s fury likely will too. He will keep labeling critics as liars and enemies. At the same time, experts will watch closely for more signs of decline. The debate over transparency versus privacy will also continue. In the end, his reactions reveal his deepest insecurity: that he cannot afford to look weak.

Whether you follow cable news or check social media, Trump health stories will stay in the spotlight. They touch on politics, psychology, and personal privacy. Moreover, they highlight how fear of exposure can trigger extreme behavior. For President Trump, the battle over his health is both personal and political.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly did Dr John Gartner say about Trump’s reactions?

Dr Gartner explained that Trump’s anger stems from hiding health issues and needing to appear strong as a malignant narcissist. He said Trump’s worst fear is showing any sign of mental or physical weakness.

Has Trump shared any proof of his cognitive exam results?

No. He claimed on Truth Social that he “aced” the tests but did not provide full details or independent verification of the exams.

Why do reports focus on Trump’s right side?

Psychologists note that difficulty using one side of the body—such as failing a simple coin flip or weak salutes—can signal nerve or muscle problems. Face drooping on one side can also hint at a stroke.

Will Trump ever release full medical records?

It remains unclear. So far, his team has provided summaries that highlight positive results but omit deeper details. Calls for full transparency continue to meet resistance.