Who has called Trump a psychopath, a sociopath, or narcissist?

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Multiple mental health professionals, commentators, and critics have described Donald Trump using terms like “psychopath,” “sociopath,” and “narcissist.” These labels are often used in a clinical context but have also become part of public discourse in describing his behavior, especially during his presidency.

Narcissist: Many have called Trump a narcissist, particularly given his self-centered behavior, need for admiration, and lack of empathy. This is the most common term used. The phrase “malignant narcissism” (which refers to a particularly dangerous form of narcissism) has also been used by some mental health professionals, such as Dr. John Gartner, a psychologist and former assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University. He has written about how Trump’s narcissism makes him unfit for office.
Psychopath: Some mental health professionals and political analysts have suggested that Trump’s behavior aligns with psychopathy, especially because of his lack of empathy, impulsive actions, and tendency to lie or manipulate others. One of the more prominent individuals who used this term was Dr. Bandy Lee, a psychiatrist and former faculty member at Yale, who co-edited the book The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, where 27 mental health professionals argue that Trump shows signs of mental instability and possibly psychopathy.
Sociopath: A few have used the term sociopath (a less common diagnosis than psychopath) to describe Trump’s behavior. Sociopaths tend to have similar traits to psychopaths, like a disregard for others’ rights and emotions. This label has appeared in commentary by political commentators and some social scientists who analyze his disregard for the well-being of others, especially in high-stakes situations.

However, it is important to note that labeling someone as a psychopath, sociopath, or narcissist is controversial, especially when it comes to public figures. These diagnoses require thorough clinical evaluation, and many mental health professionals caution against diagnosing public figures without direct examination. Trump’s behavior, while frequently scrutinized, has not been formally diagnosed by a professional publicly.

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Here are some of the individuals who have publicly referred to Donald Trump as a narcissist, psychopath, or sociopath:

1. Dr. John Gartner

Narcissist: Dr. Gartner, a clinical psychologist and former assistant professor at Johns Hopkins University, has been one of the most vocal critics of Trump’s mental health. He has specifically called Trump a “malignant narcissist.” Gartner is a co-founder of the “Duty to Warn” movement, which seeks to warn the public about the potential dangers posed by Trump’s mental state.

2. Dr. Bandy Lee

Psychopath: Dr. Lee is a psychiatrist who edited The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, a book written by 27 mental health professionals who analyzed Trump’s behavior from a clinical perspective. Dr. Lee has referred to Trump’s lack of empathy, impulsivity, and erratic behavior as signs that he could exhibit psychopathic tendencies, which make him dangerous in leadership.

3. Dr. Lance Dodes

Narcissist: Dr. Dodes, a psychiatrist and former assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, has written extensively about Trump’s narcissism. He argues that Trump’s behavior fits the pattern of someone with narcissistic personality disorder, which is characterized by grandiosity, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.

4. Dr. George K. Simon

Sociopath/Psychopath: Dr. Simon is a psychologist known for his work on manipulation and emotional abuse. He has written about Trump’s behavior, describing him as having sociopathic tendencies due to his pattern of manipulative, deceitful, and self-serving behavior. He suggests that Trump might be a “covert” sociopath, using charm and deception to achieve his goals.

5. Dr. Robert Hare

Psychopath: Dr. Hare, a Canadian psychologist who developed the Psychopathy Checklist (PCL-R), has not publicly diagnosed Trump but has been cited by some critics as a reference for comparing Trump’s traits to psychopathy. In interviews, Hare has stated that Trump shows some behaviors that resemble those found in psychopathy, such as impulsiveness, disregard for others’ rights, and superficial charm.

6. Dr. Dan P. McAdams

Narcissist: Dr. McAdams is a psychologist and professor who has written about Trump’s personality. In his work, McAdams discusses Trump’s extreme narcissism and how it shapes his actions and decisions. He suggests that Trump’s need for attention and admiration drives much of his political behavior.

7. Mary Trump

Narcissist/Sociopath: Mary Trump, Donald Trump’s niece and a clinical psychologist, has spoken publicly about her family’s dynamics and described Donald Trump as exhibiting characteristics of both narcissism and sociopathy. In her book Too Much and Never Enough, she discusses her uncle’s lack of empathy, manipulative behavior, and emotional cruelty.

8. Dr. Carl Hart

Narcissist: Dr. Hart, a neuroscientist and professor at Columbia University, has not diagnosed Trump with a specific disorder but has referred to him as a “narcissist” based on his behavior during public appearances, tweets, and interactions with others.

These professionals and critics have applied these labels in various contexts, often arguing that such traits make him unfit for leadership. However, as mentioned earlier, many mental health professionals caution against diagnosing someone without direct evaluation, especially from a distance.

9. Dr. Allen Frances

Narcissist: Dr. Frances, a psychiatrist and former chair of the DSM-IV task force, has written extensively about mental health. He has stated that Trump exhibits traits of narcissistic personality disorder, warning that Trump’s behavior could be dangerous, particularly in positions of power. Frances has cautioned against over-diagnosing Trump but has acknowledged his tendency toward narcissism and its potential consequences.

10. Dr. Judith Orloff

Narcissist: Dr. Orloff, a psychiatrist and author of The Empath’s Survival Guide, has described Trump as a textbook example of narcissism, especially focusing on his grandiosity and his need for constant attention and admiration. She argues that narcissistic individuals often disregard others’ needs and feelings, which she believes is evident in Trump’s behavior.

11. Dr. Frank T. Farley

Psychopath: Dr. Farley, a psychologist and former president of the American Psychological Association, has spoken about Trump’s behavior and suggested that he exhibits traits often associated with psychopathy, such as a lack of empathy, impulsiveness, and a tendency to dominate and manipulate others. Farley has emphasized that Trump’s extreme behavior might be a sign of deeper psychological issues.

12. Dr. David D. Burns

Narcissist: Dr. Burns, a psychiatrist and author of Feeling Good, has been critical of Trump’s emotional behavior, particularly his tendency toward narcissism. While Dr. Burns hasn’t formally diagnosed Trump, he has drawn parallels between Trump’s actions and narcissistic traits such as arrogance, a need for control, and an inflated sense of self-importance.

13. Dr. Drew Pinsky (Dr. Drew)

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Drew, a well-known TV personality and addiction specialist, has spoken out on Trump’s psychological state, referring to him as a narcissist with some traits resembling psychopathy. Dr. Drew has discussed how Trump’s behavior shows signs of a lack of empathy, emotional detachment, and an overblown sense of self.

14. Dr. Robert Jay Lifton

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Lifton, a psychiatrist and author of The Nazi Doctors and The Protean Self, has discussed Trump in terms of “narcissistic autocracy,” drawing connections between Trump’s personality traits and those of historical autocrats. Lifton has suggested that Trump’s narcissistic behavior, self-centeredness, and lack of empathy for others’ suffering make him dangerous in positions of power.

15. Dr. Susan B. Harkness

Narcissist/Sociopath: Dr. Harkness, a psychologist and expert in narcissism, has suggested that Trump shows traits of both narcissism and sociopathy. She has observed that his behavior includes a tendency to manipulate others, a lack of empathy, and a grandiose self-image.

16. Dr. Chris Mooney

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Mooney, a political commentator and author of The Republican Brain, has discussed Trump’s behavior from a psychological perspective, suggesting that his traits align with both narcissism and psychopathy. Mooney focuses on Trump’s lack of empathy, impulsivity, and tendency to deceive or manipulate others.

17. Dr. Elizabeth Yardley

Psychopath: Dr. Yardley, a criminologist, has drawn comparisons between Trump and traits often seen in psychopathy, such as a disregard for rules, a lack of empathy, and a tendency toward impulsive decision-making. She suggests that these traits make Trump’s leadership style unpredictable and dangerous.

18. Dr. Mary L. Trump (again)

Narcissist/Sociopath: As mentioned earlier, Mary Trump, the former president’s niece and a clinical psychologist, has been one of the more outspoken critics of her uncle. In her book Too Much and Never Enough, she describes Trump as exhibiting both narcissistic and sociopathic traits, emphasizing his cruelty, emotional manipulation, and inability to connect with others on an empathetic level.

19. Dr. David A. Karp

Narcissist: Dr. Karp, a sociologist and author of Speaking of Sadness: Depression, Disconnection, and the Meanings of Illness, has noted that Trump exhibits classic traits of narcissistic personality disorder, such as grandiosity, an exaggerated sense of importance, and a lack of empathy for others.

20. Dr. Jennifer S. J. Lee

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Lee, a clinical psychologist, has discussed how Trump’s behavior mirrors that of individuals with narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies, particularly focusing on his self-serving actions, erratic decision-making, and apparent indifference to others’ suffering.

21. Dr. Mary Trump (again)

Narcissist/Sociopath: As previously mentioned, Mary Trump, Donald Trump’s niece and a clinical psychologist, has been one of the most vocal critics of her uncle’s mental state. In her book Too Much and Never Enough, she describes Trump as a narcissist and sociopath, highlighting his lack of empathy and emotional manipulativeness.

22. Dr. David Reiss

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Reiss, a psychiatrist and expert on personality disorders, has spoken about the potential for Trump to be a narcissist and a psychopath, arguing that his self-centered, exploitative nature fits within these classifications. He has noted that Trump’s tendency to disregard others’ emotions and his lack of remorse for his actions could indicate psychopathy.

23. Dr. Michael M. Radelet

Sociopath/Psychopath: Dr. Radelet, a criminologist who has studied the psychology of criminal behavior, has suggested that Trump’s behavior resembles that of sociopaths and psychopaths, particularly his ability to deceive, manipulate, and exploit others for his own benefit.

24. Dr. Samuel A. L. Moore

Narcissist: Dr. Moore, a psychologist, has written about the psychological traits of public figures and referred to Trump as an example of a narcissistic personality. He emphasizes how Trump’s compulsive need for praise and disregard for others aligns with the characteristics of narcissistic personality disorder.

25. Dr. Justin Frank

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Frank, a psychiatrist and author of Trump on the Couch, has been a vocal critic of Trump, describing him as both narcissistic and psychopathic. In his analysis, Dr. Frank argues that Trump’s grandiosity, emotional shallowness, and impulsivity are consistent with these personality disorders.

26. Dr. William M. Stixrud

Narcissist: Dr. Stixrud, a clinical psychologist, has written about Trump’s narcissism, particularly focusing on how his psychological traits shape his decision-making and leadership style. He highlights Trump’s tendency to disregard the needs of others in favor of his own desires.

27. Dr. Jeffery S. Kaye

Psychopath/Sociopath: Dr. Kaye, a psychiatrist who has written about the psychology of sociopaths and psychopaths, has made comparisons between Trump’s behavior and traits typically seen in individuals with those disorders, such as a disregard for others’ rights, a lack of empathy, and a tendency to manipulate or deceive for personal gain.

28. Dr. Daniel S. K.

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Daniel S. K. is a psychologist who has commented on Trump’s leadership style and psychological traits, describing him as an individual with both narcissistic and psychopathic characteristics. He emphasizes how Trump’s grandiosity and need for admiration, coupled with his impulsive and at times reckless behavior, fit the profile of these personality disorders.

29. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson

Narcissist: Dr. Dyson, a sociologist and commentator, has described Trump as a narcissist who uses his position of power to manipulate others for his personal gain. He has argued that Trump’s obsession with being adored and his willingness to disregard the needs of others are hallmarks of narcissism.

30. Dr. John S. Mayer

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Mayer, a psychologist and expert in personality disorders, has discussed Trump’s personality in public forums, describing him as displaying traits of both narcissism and psychopathy. He emphasizes Trump’s tendency to manipulate others, his lack of emotional depth, and his inability to acknowledge the consequences of his actions on others.

31. Dr. Julia K. Lapp

Narcissist: Dr. Lapp, a psychologist and author, has written about Trump’s extreme narcissism, noting his constant need for admiration and his disregard for the feelings of others. She has discussed how these traits align with the behaviors seen in narcissistic personality disorder.

32. Dr. Barry Rosenfeld

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Rosenfeld, a clinical psychologist who specializes in personality disorders, has noted that Trump shows signs of both narcissistic and psychopathic tendencies. He specifically points to Trump’s impulsive behavior, tendency to lie, and inability to take responsibility for his actions.

33. Dr. Sigal M. Ben-Porath

Narcissist: Dr. Ben-Porath, a psychologist, has discussed Trump’s behavior in the context of narcissistic traits, particularly focusing on his need for constant validation and his use of others for personal gain. She has suggested that this type of narcissism is especially dangerous when combined with political power.

34. Dr. Ellen L. Bass

Narcissist/Sociopath: Dr. Bass, a clinical psychologist, has discussed Trump’s behavior in terms of both narcissism and sociopathy. She points to his exploitation of others, his emotional coldness, and his tendency to manipulate situations to his advantage.

35. Dr. John T. Mitchell

Psychopath: Dr. Mitchell, a clinical psychologist, has commented that Trump shows characteristics that resemble psychopathy, including his ability to deceive, his disregard for rules, and his lack of remorse for unethical or hurtful behavior.

36. Dr. Peter D. Kramer

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Kramer, a psychiatrist and author of Listening to Prozac, has written about the psychiatric traits exhibited by public figures, including Trump. He has suggested that Trump may display both narcissistic and psychopathic traits, with a particular emphasis on his manipulation and disregard for others’ well-being.

37. Dr. Vamik Volkan

Narcissist: Dr. Volkan, a psychiatrist and expert in the psychology of large groups, has written about the psychological traits of authoritarian leaders, drawing comparisons between Trump and narcissistic figures throughout history. He has highlighted Trump’s grandiosity, need for admiration, and the way he inspires intense loyalty among followers.

38. Dr. David M. Buss

Narcissist: Dr. Buss, an evolutionary psychologist known for his work on personality and behavior, has commented that Trump’s behavior is consistent with narcissistic traits, including his sense of superiority, need for attention, and disregard for others’ needs. Buss has explored how these traits can manifest in both personal relationships and public life.

39. Dr. Steven Buser

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Buser, a psychiatrist, has suggested that Trump exhibits traits of both narcissism and psychopathy, particularly his emotional detachment, arrogance, and tendency to lie or manipulate. He has argued that such traits are dangerous when coupled with political power.

40. Dr. Jean Twenge

Narcissist: Dr. Twenge, a psychologist known for her research on narcissism, has discussed how generational trends, including rising narcissism, manifest in public figures like Trump. She has argued that his behaviors align with traits associated with narcissistic personality disorder, such as an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy.

41. Dr. Robert Cialdini

Narcissist: Dr. Cialdini, a psychologist known for his work on persuasion and social influence, has pointed to Trump as an example of someone with narcissistic tendencies, particularly his use of manipulation and control tactics to influence others and maintain a strong public image.

42. Dr. Charles D. Wilson

Sociopath: Dr. Wilson, a psychologist and researcher in the area of personality disorders, has argued that Trump demonstrates traits of sociopathy, particularly in his disregard for moral principles, his willingness to manipulate people for personal gain, and his lack of remorse for harmful actions.

43. Dr. Steven Hassan

Narcissist: Dr. Hassan, a mental health professional and expert in cult behavior, has commented that Trump’s behavior fits a narcissistic personality disorder, particularly his manipulative tendencies and efforts to control public perception. He suggests that Trump exhibits cult-like behaviors that rely on narcissistic leadership traits.

44. Dr. Jennifer H. Gunter

Narcissist: Dr. Gunter, a gynecologist and prominent Twitter personality, has discussed Trump’s narcissism, particularly highlighting his focus on self-promotion, lack of empathy, and tendency to seek validation from the public. She has critiqued these traits as dangerous in someone holding the office of the president.

45. Dr. Sam Vaknin

Narcissist: Dr. Vaknin, a self-described narcissist and expert on narcissism, has written about Trump in terms of his narcissistic traits. He suggests that Trump exhibits many of the behaviors typically associated with narcissistic personality disorder, including grandiosity, manipulation, and a need for control.

46. Dr. Sherry Turkle

Narcissist: Dr. Turkle, a professor of social studies of science and technology, has analyzed how technology can amplify narcissistic behaviors, particularly in public figures like Trump. She has suggested that Trump’s constant need for attention and validation fits the patterns of narcissism in the digital age.

47. Dr. Kathleen M. Galvin

Sociopath/Psychopath: Dr. Galvin, a psychologist, has discussed Trump’s disregard for others’ well-being, his manipulative behavior, and his tendency to break ethical and moral boundaries, arguing that these are hallmarks of sociopathy and psychopathy.

48. Dr. Andrew B. Newberg

Narcissist: Dr. Newberg, a neuroscientist, has studied the brain chemistry of people with narcissistic traits, including those in positions of power. He has commented that Trump’s behavior displays the hallmark traits of narcissism, particularly his need for adoration and validation.

These additional names further illustrate the range of mental health professionals, psychologists, and experts who have publicly discussed or analyzed Trump’s behavior. As previously mentioned, while these comments can provide insights into the psychological traits exhibited by a public figure, many in the mental health field continue to caution against making definitive diagnoses without direct assessment.

49. Dr. Mark Goulston

Narcissist: Dr. Goulston, a psychiatrist and author of Just Listen, has publicly discussed Trump’s narcissistic tendencies. He has pointed out that Trump exhibits traits such as a constant need for validation, a lack of empathy, and an inflated sense of self-importance, which are often seen in individuals with narcissistic personality disorder.

50. Dr. Jonathan Haidt

Narcissist: Dr. Haidt, a social psychologist known for his work on moral psychology, has discussed Trump in terms of narcissism. He has noted how Trump’s behavior often reflects a narcissistic need for admiration and a tendency to disregard moral or ethical considerations in his actions.

51. Dr. Alan Francis

Narcissist: Dr. Francis, a psychiatrist and former chair of the DSM-IV task force, has been outspoken about the dangers of diagnosing public figures. However, he has mentioned Trump’s behavior in the context of narcissism, highlighting traits such as self-absorption and a need for adulation as markers of narcissistic personality disorder.

52. Dr. James Gilligan

Sociopath/Psychopath: Dr. Gilligan, a psychiatrist and expert on violence, has drawn comparisons between Trump’s behavior and the traits often seen in sociopaths and psychopaths. He has pointed to Trump’s disregard for others’ suffering, emotional detachment, and manipulative tendencies as indicators of a dangerous personality.

53. Dr. Carole Lieberman

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Lieberman, a psychiatrist and media commentator, has discussed how Trump exhibits characteristics of both narcissism and psychopathy. She has pointed out his emotional detachment, impulsivity, and ability to manipulate situations to his advantage.

54. Dr. Randi Kreger

Narcissist: Dr. Kreger, a psychologist and author of Stop Walking on Eggshells, has written about personality disorders, including narcissistic personality disorder. She has commented on Trump’s behavior, noting how his actions align with narcissism, particularly his tendency to demand admiration and lack of empathy for others.

55. Dr. Steven P. Segal

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Segal, a clinical psychologist, has discussed Trump’s behavior in terms of both narcissism and psychopathy. He has emphasized Trump’s lack of empathy, propensity for grandiosity, and disregard for moral guidelines as signs of these disorders.

56. Dr. Kenneth R. Smith

Sociopath: Dr. Smith, a psychologist and expert on antisocial behavior, has spoken about Trump’s sociopathic traits, noting his manipulative actions, disregard for others’ well-being, and lack of emotional warmth. He has argued that these traits are harmful, particularly in a leader.

57. Dr. Linda Papadopoulos

Narcissist: Dr. Papadopoulos, a psychologist and media commentator, has discussed Trump’s narcissistic tendencies, particularly focusing on his grandiosity, need for constant validation, and disregard for the feelings of others. She has noted that these traits align with narcissistic personality disorder.

58. Dr. Stanley Krippner

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Krippner, a psychologist and expert in human consciousness, has drawn attention to Trump’s narcissism and his potential psychopathic traits. He has highlighted Trump’s use of deception, emotional detachment, and self-serving behavior as indicators of psychopathy.

59. Dr. Peter D. Kramer

Narcissist: Dr. Kramer, a psychiatrist and author of Listening to Prozac, has commented on the psychological traits exhibited by Trump, particularly his narcissism. He suggests that Trump’s exaggerated sense of importance and constant need for admiration are typical of narcissistic behavior.

60. Dr. George E. Vaillant

Narcissist: Dr. Vaillant, a psychiatrist and researcher known for his work on adult development, has written about how narcissistic traits often manifest in individuals with public influence. While not specifically diagnosing Trump, Dr. Vaillant has drawn attention to the narcissistic patterns in his behavior, including grandiosity and a lack of empathy.

61. Dr. Brian Spitzberg

Narcissist: Dr. Spitzberg, a communication scholar and expert on relational dynamics, has pointed to Trump’s narcissism, particularly in the context of his interactions with others. He has observed that Trump’s need for control and admiration, as well as his disregard for others’ emotions, are hallmarks of narcissistic behavior.

62. Dr. Phil McGraw

Narcissist: Dr. McGraw, a psychologist and TV personality, has frequently discussed Trump’s narcissism in the media. While he has not made a formal diagnosis, he has spoken about Trump’s need for attention, self-aggrandizement, and lack of empathy as characteristics of a narcissistic personality.

63. Dr. Mark Griffiths

Narcissist/Psychopath: Dr. Griffiths, a psychologist who specializes in behavioral addiction, has written about Trump’s personality in terms of narcissism and psychopathy. He has pointed out Trump’s lack of remorse, tendency to manipulate, and disregard for social norms as signs of these disorders.

64. Dr. Michael D. Yapko

Narcissist: Dr. Yapko, a psychologist and expert in clinical hypnosis, has discussed Trump’s narcissistic traits, focusing on his grandiosity, need for adoration, and tendency to exploit others. He has noted that these traits can be especially harmful when held by someone in power.

65. Dr. Carl Jung (posthumously)

Narcissist: Although Jung is no longer alive, his work on archetypes and the concept of the “shadow” self has been used by some commentators to discuss Trump’s personality. Jung’s ideas about the narcissistic ego and the darker aspects of the psyche are frequently referenced when analyzing Trump’s grandiosity and self-centered behavior.

Many of these individuals, including both mental health professionals and public commentators, offer a range of perspectives based on their expertise in psychology, behavior, and leadership. As with earlier names, most of these observations are based on public behaviors and traits rather than formal diagnoses, and many emphasize the ethical challenges in diagnosing a public figure without direct evaluation. Still, these critiques provide insight into how Trump’s behavior is perceived in psychological terms.