President Donald Trump is facing renewed scrutiny over his mental fitness after author and presidential historian Seth Abramson sharply criticized the president's latest public remarks, arguing that neither legal institutions nor close advisers are effectively constraining Trump's decision-making and urging consideration of constitutional mechanisms such as the 25th Amendment.
Abramson's comments followed Trump's latest speech in Washington, in which the president again questioned the legitimacy of a past election and criticized his political opponents. Reacting on social media, Abramson argued that the president's conduct had reached a point where Congress and the executive branch should consider whether existing constitutional safeguards remain adequate. His remarks reflect his personal opinions and are not supported by any official medical diagnosis or government finding regarding Trump's fitness for office.
The debate also revived attention to comments Trump made earlier this year when discussing the limits of presidential authority.
Asked in January whether there were any limits on his exercise of power, Trump replied: "My own morality. My own mind. It's the only thing that can stop me."
At the time, supporters largely portrayed the remark as characteristic political bravado, while critics interpreted it as reflecting Trump's view of executive authority. Abramson cited the statement as evidence supporting his broader assessment of the president.
In a series of posts following Trump's latest appearance, Abramson wrote: "The most sober, terrifying thing I can say as a Trump presidential historian is that what happened tonight was not about you, me, or America."
He continued: "He's going to do what he's going to do based on how he convinces himself to do it. Nothing else matters. He's not listening to anyone."
Abramson, a former criminal defense lawyer and author of several books critical of Trump and his administration, went further by writing: "however it came to pass, childhood trauma, genetics, dementia, this US president is now functionally a psychopath."
He added: "He lives in his own reality. He converses only with himself. All America is now downstream from a madman who's not listening to anyone or anything but his own madness."
Those statements represent Abramson's personal assessment rather than a clinical diagnosis. Mental health professionals generally caution against diagnosing public figures without a direct examination, a principle commonly referred to as the Goldwater Rule. The White House has not responded publicly to Abramson's latest remarks, and previous presidential health reports have concluded that Trump is fit to serve.
Abramson also argued that constitutional remedies should be considered if concerns about presidential capacity continue to grow. He specifically referenced the 25th Amendment, which provides a process through which the vice president and a majority of Cabinet members can declare a president unable to discharge the powers and duties of the office. He also mentioned impeachment as another constitutional mechanism available to Congress.
Beyond questions of presidential fitness, Abramson expressed concern that Trump's political rhetoric could contribute to unrest.
He alleged that Trump is "intentionally stoking 'violence'" and doing "all he can to convince a large swath of America that violent rebellion is the only answer."
Abramson added: "Violence would destroy America and leave no winners. You'll never see me support it but in self-defence."
Trump has repeatedly denied encouraging unlawful violence. His allies have frequently argued that his rhetoric is being interpreted too broadly by critics and that his statements constitute political speech protected under the Constitution rather than incitement.
Earlier this year, commentator Alex Jones publicly questioned Trump's judgment over U.S. policy toward Iran, accusing the president of showing signs of cognitive decline and comparing his conduct to "the madness of King George III."
