Psychologist Halts Trump Analysis After Threats During Japan Trip
TOKYO – A psychologist who co-hosted a podcast analyzing Donald Trump’s mental state has ceased his commentary following escalating threats, revealing a pattern of intimidation tactics allegedly employed by the former president’s team. Dr. gartner, who co-hosted “Shrinking Trump” with Harry Segal, ended the podcast on October 3rd, citing fears for his family’s safety.
The decision follows a period where Trump’s campaign reportedly began actively monitoring and targeting individuals critical of the former president on social media. Gartner, speaking to BuzzFeed News Deutschland, explained segal “Understandably became afraid,” and “decided it was safer for him and his family to quit.” The psychologist’s experience underscores a broader concern about the chilling effect of political intimidation on expert analysis and public discourse, notably as Trump continues to be a prominent figure in American politics.
Gartner and Segal had previously operated under the assumption they were on a “B enemy list,” but grew concerned when Trump’s team began focusing on individuals deemed higher-profile critics. “We knew we could be next,” Gartner stated. The psychologist’s decision to halt the podcast highlights Trump’s documented strategy of attempting to silence opposition through intimidation, a tactic Gartner described as “getting people to give up in advance.”
