All about Me! -- Trump's Biggest Medical Issue
By Nick Licata
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When critics suggest potential illnesses President Donald Trump might have, they point to evidence of a possible ailment. They notice bruises on his hands, swollen joints, dozing off during televised meetings, and his rambling, disjointed speeches. However, they never identify the one hallmark of a serious illness that he had shown even before he became president.
It is a mental condition officially defined and diagnosed by the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Research suggests that between 1.3 and 13 million American adults may have it, with most being male. The Cleveland Clinic’s study found that having NPD involves an excessive need to impress others or feel important, which can lead to harmful behaviors toward others.
A first response to this possibility might be, “So what? Past presidents have been narcissistic.” However, NPD goes beyond a few stereotypical behaviors or attitudes. As explained by Sandra Silva, senior editor at Health Line Media, it’s a matter of continually distorting reality that hinders making rational decisions. But it is never a personal choice; like other illnesses, it cripples one’s ability to function normally.
The most recent example of a president accused of being a narcissist was Richard Nixon, who exhibited at least two of the nine symptoms of narcissistic personality disorder: a willingness to exploit others and fantasies about deserving success. Both symptoms are found in Trump’s behavior.
https://www.postalley.org/2025/12/29/all-about-me-trumps-biggest-medical-issue/