Donald Trump shows clear markers of PTSD after shooting 'aroused a deeper fear in him', claims expert

WASHINGTON, DC: Former president and GOP 2024 nominee Donald Trump is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder following his assassination attempt last month, reported the Daily US Express on Saturday, August 17. 

The conclusion was drawn based on a recently published article by Vanity Fair, where an insider shared that Trump has been replaying his brush with death on a loop, which according to psychologists is a clear marker of PTSD. 

Thomas Crooks fired multiple shots at Trump while he was speaking at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13. He remained majorly unharmed, with the exception of a bullet grazing his right year. Fortunate as he was, Trump’s survival is considered a close call and is understandably a traumatic event for him. 

“He’s been watching that seven-second clip of how close he was to getting shot right in the head—over and over and over again,” a Republican close to the Trump campaign told Vanity Fair, adding, “He may actually legit have PTSD.”

Psychologist’s take on Donald Trump's behavior 

Mark Seglin, a New Jersey-based psychologist, told the Daily Express US that repeatedly revisiting a traumatic event is referred to in psychology as a repeated compulsion, a phenomenon that is common among PTSD patients. 

“You want a do-over. You revisit it again and again, that’s the repetition compulsion, a marker and a characteristic of PTSD," he explained.

“I guess he’s trying to get mastery over what aroused a deeper fear in him than he can handle," shared Seglin, referring to the Pennsylvania rally incident. 

Based on his observations, Trump appeared “less disciplined than ever, which is saying something.”

“He’s sort of lost it," commented Seglin, noting the absence of family members around the controversial businessman. “The people who had some ability to soften him at all seem to have disappeared, and he remains defiant until the end," he said.

The new demeanor may also be brought upon by President Joe Biden removing himself from the presidential race. 

“The problem with being a warrior is you get defined by your antagonist," shared Seglin. "This is not just a race for the presidency. This was a passion (for Trump) to destroy Biden. He did, and now what?”

"I think there’s just a vacancy in (Trump's) emotional ability to organize a second battle," he added.

Internet wonders about Donald Trump having PTSD

Social media users took to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their suspicion about Donald Trump suffering from PTSD following the events at his Pennsylvania rally. While some posts are sympathetic to the GOP nominee, others are admittedly not.

"Did you guys think Trump didn't have PTSD? It was the most impossible shot in history. Even a healthy brain can't deal with a brush that close to death. He is not in a place to process feelings, it's going eat him," tweeted one social media user.

"Trump is not just old, he is an old man who was shot and very nearly killed. I have had two semi close calls in combat, one from a sniper the other from a mortar/drone team. I think about both every day. A bullet literally skimmed his ear. He is going to be f**ked up for life," another commented.

"I wouldn't be at all surprised if Trump is experiencing PTSD - not something I'd wish on anyone," expressed one person.

"People are saying Trump is showing signs of PTSD since his assassination attempt. As a former first responder that has been fighting a battle with PTSD for years, I hope that fella has the worst anxiety and night terrors," another added.

"PTSD is keeping Trump at his golf courses. Who can blame him with such a traumatic event. That trauma and his inability to form coherent sentences should raise GOP concerns about continuing his POTUS run," stated one individual. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.