There are growing concerns within Donald Trump’s campaign team about his mental health, following an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. According to reports, the former president has been repeatedly watching a seven-second video clip that captures the moment his right ear was grazed by a bullet during the attempt on his life. This obsessive viewing has raised fears that Trump may be suffering from PTSD. A Republican campaign source told Vanity Fair, “He may actually legit have PTSD.” A campaign official confirmed that the incident continues to weigh heavily on Trump, adding, “He’s been through a lot.”
Impact of Biden’s Exit on Trump’s Campaign
Compounding these concerns is Trump’s reaction to Joe Biden’s recent decision to drop out of the 2024 presidential race. While Trump had previously criticized Biden’s cognitive abilities and called for him to step down, his departure seems to have triggered a mental spiral for the former president. Trump’s team believes that Biden’s exit has disrupted his campaign strategy, leading to increasingly erratic behavior. “It’s like he’s choosing to lose,” remarked a frustrated Republican close to the campaign.
Pressure from Allies to Stay Focused
As Trump continues to fixate on the video and express frustration over Biden’s exit, allies and donors have urged him to stay on message during his rallies. They are concerned that his frequent focus on conspiracy theories and personal attacks, particularly against Vice President Kamala Harris, is undermining his campaign. Trump has been criticized for making baseless claims about the size of Harris’s rally crowds and for engaging in racially charged rhetoric during public appearances.
Fears of Self-Sabotage
There is growing anxiety within Trump’s campaign that his behavior is becoming self-sabotaging. Despite his earlier dominance in the polls when Biden was his opponent, recent surveys show Harris gaining momentum, with some polls even placing her ahead of Trump in key battleground states. As the election approaches, Trump’s team is increasingly concerned that his mental state, exacerbated by the assassination attempt and Biden’s withdrawal, is hindering his ability to effectively campaign. A source told CNN that Trump is “in a spiral” and urgently needs to “snap out of it.”