Trump, After Attacking Biden Over Dementia, Faces Mental Health Allegations and Impeachment Push [Global Focus]

Relentless "dementia" attacks on Biden during the campaign

Trump turns 80 this year... a torrent of aggressive and irrational remarks

Experts on Trump's threat to destroy Iranian "civilization": "Not tough talk, but madness"

"Biden's cognitive abilities have declined."

U.S. President Donald Trump, who had launched relentless attacks about "dementia" against his rival, former President Joe Biden, during the 2024 U.S. presidential race, is now himself embroiled in allegations regarding his own mental health. This year, as he turns 80, President Trump boasted that he received a "perfect score" on an early dementia screening test. However, a recent series of aggressive and irrational remarks have heightened anxiety among both political circles and the American public.

"Strategy vs. Just a Madman" Debate Reignites

The New York Times (NYT) recently pointed out that President Trump's erratic behavior and extreme comments have accelerated the decade-long debate over whether his actions are a "madman strategy" or if he is simply a madman.

One representative remark was his threat to destroy Iranian civilization. On April 7, with about 12 hours left before the negotiation deadline with Iran, President Trump posted a warning on his social networking service (SNS), Truth Social, stating, "Tonight, an entire civilization will vanish and never return," directly addressing Iran. President Trump's remarks, given his authority to order the launch of nuclear weapons, sparked fear across the international community. The U.S. political media outlet Politico reported, "The worst-case scenario is being raised, with concerns even about the possible use of nuclear weapons against Iran."

Leo XIV, the first American-born Pope, publicly criticized this by saying, "This is truly unacceptable," and added, "While there are certainly questions of international law here, above all, this is a moral issue concerning the good of the entire people." He continued his criticism of President Trump with further statements such as, "God does not bless any war," and "Delusions of omnipotence are fueling war."

An image from a post on X shared by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 15th (local time) on his social networking service, Truth Social. Trump Truth Social

Outraged by Pope Leo XIV's public criticism, President Trump unleashed a barrage of harsh rebukes, claiming that if he were not in the White House, "Leo would not be in the Vatican." He also posted AI-generated images reminiscent of himself and a clergyman healing the sick, which sparked widespread controversy across religious and broader social circles, leading him to delete the post belatedly. President Trump's deletion of the SNS post was considered highly unusual. Before the controversy had even subsided, he reignited debate by sharing another image depicting himself as if embraced by Jesus.

President Trump's coarse language directed at Iran also caused problems. Before the deadline extension, he posted a profanity-laced tirade against the Iranian government. On Truth Social, he wrote, "Tuesday (the 7th) will be the (attack) day for Iran's power plants and bridges," adding, "Open the damn strait. You maniacs. Or you will face a hellish situation." Trump, who has long presented himself as a devout Christian, shocked not only Democrats but also members of his own Republican Party with his verbal outbursts during Easter.

Democratic lawmakers immediately issued statements criticizing President Trump. Chuck Schumer, Senate Majority Leader for the Democrats, pointed out on X that "While you are celebrating (Easter) with friends and family at church, the President of the United States is ranting on SNS like a deranged madman." Independent Senator Bernie Sanders also directly criticized President Trump's remarks as "the ravings of a dangerous and mentally unstable individual."

NYT noted that even within conservative circles, such concerns are being voiced. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former congresswoman once called the "female Trump" and "Trump's warrior," said in a CNN interview that the threat to destroy Iranian civilization was "not just tough talk, but madness." Far-right podcaster Candace Owens labeled him "a genocidal madman." Alex Jones, once an ardent Trump supporter who has since become a critic, commented, "He rambles incoherently; it seems his brain is no longer functioning properly."

Public opinion toward President Trump is also highly negative. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted in February, 61% of Americans said "Trump has become more erratic as he has aged." Among Democratic supporters, 89% expressed such concerns, as did 65% of independents and even 30% of Republican supporters. Only 45% said "Trump has a clear mind and is capable of dealing with issues."

Democrats Seize the Moment, File Impeachment Resolution

In Congress, efforts to remove President Trump are emerging as Democrats refuse to let his crisis go unchallenged. On April 7, Democrats introduced an impeachment resolution, also demanding suspension from duty under the 25th Amendment on grounds of presidential incapacity. The 25th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution outlines procedures for vice-presidential succession and acting president in the event of the president's death, resignation, or inability to discharge the powers and duties of the office.

On March 16 (local time), U.S. President Donald Trump signing an executive order at the White House, with Vice President J.D. Vance standing beside him. Photo by AFP Yonhap News

However, analysts say the possibility of removal under the 25th Amendment is low, as it requires agreement from the vice president and a majority of the cabinet. France24 pointed out that experts see this as "a politically virtually impossible nuclear option." In an extremely polarized political environment, it is realistically difficult to secure the two-thirds congressional majority required. Vice President J.D. Vance is known as a staunch loyalist to President Trump. The rest of the Trump administration's second-term staff are also reported to have been selected primarily for their loyalty.

In fact, President Trump was impeached twice during his first term (January 2017 - January 2021), becoming the first president in U.S. history to be impeached twice by the House of Representatives while in office. He was impeached in 2019 for the "Ukraine scandal" and again in January 2021 for "incitement of insurrection." However, in both cases, the impeachment resolutions ultimately failed to pass the Republican-controlled Senate, allowing President Trump to complete his four-year term without removal from office.

Exterior view of the United States Capitol. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

However, the situation is even more challenging than during his first term. As he was preparing to leave office in 2021, President Trump's approval rating stood in the 40% range. In his current second term, job approval is at 33% according to the latest polls—the lowest of his entire second administration. According to a survey conducted by the University of Massachusetts Amherst and polling firm YouGov from March 20 to 25, among 1,000 American adults interviewed, 33% said they support President Trump, while 62% said they do not. This is down from 44% in April and 38% in July of the previous year, making it the lowest level since the start of his second term.

With just seven months left until the so-called "midterm evaluation" in November, President Trump's chaotic behavior has become a cause for concern among Republicans. CNN pointed out, "The biggest worry for Republicans this year is the uncontrollable President Trump, who seems unconcerned with the party." A Republican from South Carolina told the network, "If we nominate President Trump, we will be destroyed—and that is exactly what we deserve."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.