Mary Trump compares uncle Donald, 79, to her granddad who suffered from dementia
WASHINGTON, DC: Psychologist and author Mary Trump has raised concerns about the behavior of US President Donald Trump, drawing comparisons with her grandfather’s experience with dementia.
In a recent set of remarks, she said she has observed similarities between Trump’s current behavior and symptoms her grandfather displayed later in life.
Mary Trump, who is also Donald Trump’s niece, spoke about her family history while describing what she sees as noticeable changes in the president’s conduct.
Mary Trump: “My grandfather was about Donald’s age when he started to exhibit signs of dementia. It’s alarming how often I see my grandfather in Donald these days” pic.twitter.com/vKaWBjPGQ5
— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) April 24, 2026
Mary Trump draws comparison with family history
In her remarks, Mary Trump said her grandfather began showing signs of dementia in his mid-70s, including short-term memory loss and difficulty with impulse control.
“My grandfather was about Donald's age, maybe a little younger.”
“Maybe my grandfather was in his mid-70s when he started to exhibit signs of dementia, you know, short-term memory loss, impulse control issues, etc.”
She noted that his condition worsened significantly as he entered his early to mid-80s, despite previously being “very intelligent” and “sharp.”
“And it then sort of worsened pretty suddenly in his early to mid-80s. This was a man who, at his height, was a very intelligent person. He was very sharp.”
She described instances where her grandfather appeared disoriented, saying he sometimes did not seem aware of his surroundings or the people around him.
According to Mary Trump, these changes became more pronounced over time.
“He often looked as if he weren't oriented to time and space.”
Remarks focus on Donald’s behavior and public statements
Drawing a comparison, she said, “and it's alarming how often I see my grandfather in Donald these days. He also often doesn't seem to know exactly where he is or why he's there or with whom.”
“And of course, Donald has never had particularly good impulse control. But especially since the beginning of this year, we see that he is almost incapable of reigning in his temper.”
Mary Trump also pointed to what she described as long-standing issues with impulse control, stating that such tendencies have become more noticeable recently.
She said that, in her view, Trump has struggled to manage his temper and has at times made statements or social media posts that she described as inappropriate or poorly judged.
“or keeping himself from saying what in in any instant is exactly the wrong thing for him to say or post on social media like for example threatening genocide”
Mary Trump’s comments also referenced Trump’s public communication, including his speeches and social media activity. She suggested that his recent statements reflect a reduced ability to filter or regulate responses in certain situations.