Psychiatrist issued a stark warning about Donald Trump’s health and mental State

A top psychiatrist has issued a stark warning that President Donald Trump’s health and mental state may be deteriorating, raising fears that he could become even more authoritarian as time goes on. Dr. Bandy X. Lee, a well-known forensic and social psychiatrist who has long studied the psychology of powerful leaders, said Trump’s recent behavior shows increasing signs of paranoia and control issues that could worsen with age and physical decline.

“He’s paranoid,” Dr. Lee said during an interview on The Daily Beast podcast with Joanna Coles. “He’s doing everything he can to convince people he’s the most powerful man in the world. The question is, why does he need so much power? Why is it never enough?”

She pointed to several of Trump’s recent moves, such as ordering state National Guard deployments and expanding federal enforcement roles, as examples of his growing obsession with control. According to Lee, these actions reflect a deep psychological insecurity rather than confidence. “He’s gathering power — ICE agents, National Guard members — not out of strength, but fear,” she said. “It’s as if he’s building a wall of protection around himself against his own people.”

Lee explained that such behavior often stems from what she called “limitless insecurity,” a dangerous condition that can become worse as health declines and the person feels increasingly vulnerable. “When he demands absolute loyalty or power, he’s doing it from a place of pathology,” she said. “It’s not a show of confidence; it’s a sign of deep instability. As this insecurity grows, so will his desire to control — and that’s when a leader becomes more tyrannical.”

Her comments come at a time when speculation about Trump’s mental and physical fitness has returned to the spotlight. His recent public appearances — marked by slurred speech, moments of confusion, and rambling statements — have fueled fresh debate about his well-being. While his supporters have dismissed such concerns as political attacks, Lee believes ignoring them is dangerous. “He will become more defensive, more paranoid, and therefore more dangerous,” she warned. “Pretending nothing is wrong only allows his behavior to escalate.”

Dr. Lee is not new to controversy. She rose to national attention in 2017 when she edited The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, a book compiling essays from mental health professionals who argued that Trump’s behavior was a threat to democracy and public safety. Her outspoken views later led to clashes with Yale University, where she was dismissed, but she has continued to advocate for psychological accountability in leadership.

On the podcast, Lee described Trump’s paranoia as partially self-aware — suggesting that he knows his limits and fears exposure. “He’s always on guard,” she said. “That’s why he’s constantly testing people’s loyalty, demanding praise, and attacking critics. These are not acts of strength. They are rooted in fear of being seen as weak.”

Lee also suggested that Trump’s physical decline — something she described as “visible in his posture, speech, and stamina” — may amplify his mental strain. “The more his health deteriorates, the more he feels threatened by loss of control,” she said. “That’s why his behavior becomes more extreme. Power doesn’t ease his fears; it feeds them.”

Her warning adds to a growing chorus of concern among political analysts and former aides who have described Trump’s leadership style as increasingly erratic and unstable. Some argue that his anger and suspicion of those around him could lead to reckless decisions, especially as he faces political and legal pressure.

Lee concluded by saying that her concern is not political but psychological. “It’s not about left or right — it’s about safety,” she said. “If we continue to normalize paranoid and unstable behavior in a person with immense power, we put everyone at risk. The longer we enable it, the harder it becomes to pull back.”

She emphasized that Trump’s drive for dominance doesn’t make him stronger — it makes him more dependent on power as a coping mechanism. “Every time he demands more control, it’s because he feels less secure,” she said. “And as his health declines, that hunger for control will only grow. It’s a cycle of fear, not leadership — and it’s dangerous for the country.”