Clinical psychologist Dr Vincent Greenwood has argued ahead of next month’s US midterm elections that Donald Trump’s behaviour warrants considering the 25th Amendment, warning that a Republican defeat could intensify the danger.

His intervention follows calls from more than 70 Democratic lawmakers in April for Trump’s removal through impeachment, the 25th Amendment, or both, after his threats concerning Iran.

The amendment addresses a president’s inability to discharge the powers and duties of office. Greenwood has not clinically examined Trump. His assessment is not an established medical diagnosis, and drawing conclusions about public figures without examining them remains contested.

Donald Trump Assessment Focuses on Three Traits
Greenwood, Director of the Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy, told the Daily Beast that Trump exhibits clinical psychopathy, which he associated with impulsivity, remorselessness and a drive to dominate.

‘These traits are ominous—every one of them,’ Greenwood said, adding, ‘The clinical psychopath is just unable to grapple with any thorny or difficult issue. They’re radically disinhibited and very impulsive, which is not a good fit for a commander in chief.’

The psychologist has conducted more than 1,700 psychological evaluations and studied Trump for years. His book, Puppet on a String: Trump Is Ruled by an Ominous Psychological Condition, presents his assessment through that framework.

‘Perhaps the most central and most problematic trait is remorselessness. Psychopaths just don’t have the guardrails that a normal functioning conscience provides. They just don’t experience guilt or shame. There’s just no feeling of discomfort at all at the suffering of others, and they deflect all responsibility for any damage they may inflict. So I think those are all grounds for certainly considering the 25th Amendment.’

What a Midterm Defeat Could Mean for Donald Trump
Greenwood suggested that Republican losses could trigger frantic efforts by Trump to ‘protect his status’. He argued that an overriding need to avoid humiliation and loss of control could take precedence over conventional political calculations.

‘Generally, he will act quickly without considering the consequences,’ Greenwood stated. ‘How (his traits) will actually manifest themselves is very worrisome.’

Read More: Clinical Psychologist Argues Donald Trump Is So ‘Dangerous’ the 25th Amendment Should Be Invoked