# [Paul Krugman](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/)

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SPEAKER 1

The President of the United States is mentally ill, but everybody knows that. So while we should continue to focus on this degeneration taking place in front of our eyes, we should also beyond that ask what we can do about the powers the interests the system that put

this horrifying person in a position of power hi I'm Paul Krugman first video update in a while it's May 31st if you have been following some of the news you may know that Trump's mental deterioration, which has been obvious for quite a while, got even more extreme in the past few days. Tellingly,

the things that are really driving him into more obvious dysfunction are things that are blows to his ego. I was especially struck I was rattled actually by his reaction to the wave of artists canceling out on the self-glorifying concert series he's holding on them all.

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## Learning from a Mentally Ill President

We need to deal with the powers and system that put him in power and keep him there

[Paul Krugman](https://substack.com/@paulkrugman)

May 31, 2026

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995

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Transcript

**Transcript**

The President of the United States is mentally ill, but everybody knows that. So while we should continue to focus on this degeneration taking place in front of our eyes, we should also, beyond that, ask what we can do about the powers, the interests, the system that put this horrifying person in a position of power.

Hi I’m Paul Krugman. First video update in a while.

It’s May 31st. If you have been following some of the news you may know that Trump’s mental deterioration, which has been obvious for quite a while, got even more extreme in the past few days. Tellingly, the things that are really driving him into more obvious dysfunction are things that are blows to his ego. I was especially struck — I was rattled actually — by his reaction to the wave of artists canceling out on the self-glorifying concert series he’s holding on the mall.

So, if you haven’t seen it, here’s what he said on Truth Social: That artists are “getting the yips” and

> I am thinking about bringing the number one attraction anywhere in the world the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime, and he does so without a guitar, the man who loves our country more than anyone else, and the man who some say is the greatest president in history, Donald J. Trump.

Oh my god. I would not want to trust this guy alone in a room, let alone running the world’s formerly greatest power, although he’s doing a lot to run that into the ground.

Okay, but we knew that, right? It’s not really a surprise to find out that he has lost his mind, what was left of it. And yet, he is in power. People who did a lot to put him in power did so, knowing this — the billionaires who contributed vast sums of money to his campaign, the Supreme Court which gave him immunity back in 2024 — they all knew who they were doing this for. They understood what they were doing. Now, maybe, even they are getting a bit of cold feet as as he goes over the edge and as we’re starting to see in Iran and elsewhere what happens when you have a lunatic running the United States, a lunatic who has far more power than a previous president because all of the normal institutional safeguards have been short-circuited or dismantled.

Still, they are continuing to support him, and they are continuing to do so not just in concrete ways, but verbally, which matters. They continue to cover for him.

Just the other day, Jeff Bezos — who is not an idiot; he has to know what he’s looking at — but he said, oh, Trump is much more mature than he was in his first term, which is obviously a complete lie. That is not what Jeff Bezos thinks. And it’s telling you that he is still providing cover.

The Supreme Court, although it’s been knocking back a few things, is for the most part continuing to give Trump treatment that it would never have accorded, not just to any Democratic president, but to any previous Republican president.

Okay, this is not coming out of thin air. These people — I’m not talking about Trump but people who are empowering him — are not stupid. Some of them are weak but they are also acting because they think there’s something in it for them.

All of this at some level is about money and power for people beyond Trump. And it’s made possible by the fact that there is so much money in the hands of a few people, many of whom turn out, not too surprisingly, to be terrible, insensitive, anti-democratic people themselves.

Obviously, we need to defang Trump as much as possible and make sure that neither he nor anybody who follows in his footsteps has power after the next two elections. But beyond that, we really need to do a thorough purging of the United States. We need a deMAGAfication. And I’m not going over the top by using a word that’s very similar to the denazification that we pursued successfully after World War II in Germany.

And it’s not just the MAGA ideology, but the whole structure of hugely unequal power, hugely unequal wealth that made this horrific moment possible.

It’s not going to be easy, and maybe it’s not going to be doable, but we have to try because this is a nightmare. This is a nightmare beyond, I think, even the worst fantasies of progressives, beyond the worst fantasies of conservatives who still have a conscience. (There still are plenty of those, but they’re no longer MAGA.)

This has to be turned around and we should not, above all, whitewash or forget this moment. This is where a lot of forces in America have been leading and if we don’t do something beyond just getting rid of Trump, it’s going to happen again.

Have a good rest of your weekend.

8,172 Likes∙

[1,410 Restacks](https://substack.com/note/p-199987619/restacks?utm_source=substack&utm_content=facepile-restacks)

#### Discussion about this video

CommentsRestacks

[T Mac](https://substack.com/profile/250525566-t-mac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268312797 "May 31, 2026, 2:57 PM")

Thank you for your thoughts and courage. You are a good man.

Like (411)

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[Mac](https://substack.com/profile/77408843-mac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268322095 "May 31, 2026, 3:16 PM")

I blame all this madness on Russell Vought ( Project 2025 maestro)/Stephen Miller. They’re egging trump on, taking advantage of trump’s narcissistic nature.

That’s all.

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[Gooddogbadphotos](https://substack.com/profile/12662567-gooddogbadphotos?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327335 "May 31, 2026, 3:27 PM")

Blame Mitch McConnell. He knew what he was dealing with, could have ended it in January 2021, and chose not to.

Like (310)

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[Doreen Zaback](https://substack.com/profile/311166016-doreen-zaback?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268351123 "May 31, 2026, 4:18 PM")

Mitch's hand goes way back from 2021, it goes to 2016 when he denied Obama a Supreme Court pick.

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[Merry](https://substack.com/profile/16362381-merry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268411764 "May 31, 2026, 6:39 PM")

Mitch was always shamelessly willing to break precedent and bend the rules to suit his (and the GOP’s) agenda. And he literally destroyed the grand ole party in the process.

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[It's a Grand Journey](https://substack.com/profile/72325122-its-a-grand-journey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268475838 "May 31, 2026, 9:27 PM")

I agree. Although I think if he had not done it, the donors who control the party would have found a more willing person take over.

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[Merry](https://substack.com/profile/16362381-merry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268496412 "May 31, 2026, 10:28 PM")

Maybe. But Mitch McConnell had already proven himself as a politician who “…has a long, documented history of aggressively utilizing procedural maneuvers and altering long-standing Senate norms to achieve conservative objectives and benefit the Republican caucus. Critics characterize this as "constitutional hardball," while supporters view it as master legislative strategy.”

That’s exactly why McConnell “held the Senate Republican leadership position for 18 years, from January 2007 to January 2025. This makes him the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history.”

[https://www.americanprogress.org/article/mitch-mcconnell-a-legacy-of-obstruction/](https://www.americanprogress.org/article/mitch-mcconnell-a-legacy-of-obstruction/)

[https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/03/mitch-mcconnell-senate-longest-serving-leader-00076161](https://www.politico.com/news/2023/01/03/mitch-mcconnell-senate-longest-serving-leader-00076161)

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[dee Romero](https://substack.com/profile/324895389-dee-romero?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[6h](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/281789531 "Jun 24, 2026, 5:15 AM")

The democrats have betrayed their constituents,too. They're stuffing their pockets with doors money also. & they all probably have diverse stock portfolios.

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[Mimi](https://substack.com/profile/61900624-mimi?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268508006 "May 31, 2026, 11:06 PM")

It was a low bar.

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[Humanitarians Unite!](https://substack.com/profile/30336021-humanitarians-unite?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268380298 "May 31, 2026, 5:24 PM")

I came here to say that!

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[Paula](https://substack.com/profile/5694265-paula?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268403461 "May 31, 2026, 6:18 PM")

2 picks actually.

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[Neus Forme](https://substack.com/profile/201247825-neus-forme?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268820548 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:17 PM") Edited

AND... McConnell exercised the strongest hand in ensuring Trump picked nominees for Supreme Court from the Federalist Society since then.

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[Robert G Johnston](https://substack.com/profile/23710818-robert-g-johnston?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268568663 "Jun 1, 2026, 3:14 AM")

Remember it was Biden that gave C. Thomas a pass.

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[deborah hennessy](https://substack.com/profile/16377265-deborah-hennessy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268346758 "May 31, 2026, 4:09 PM")

And I hope McConnell knows the history books will not look favorably upon him.

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[Glenn Burkhardt](https://substack.com/profile/31938178-glenn-burkhardt?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268445696 "May 31, 2026, 8:05 PM")

Please. McConnell should be rotting in the hottest corner of hell for not convicting Trump.

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[chris lemon](https://substack.com/profile/8699641-chris-lemon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268468961 "May 31, 2026, 9:08 PM") Edited

McConnell will spend all of eternity in Hell, living at the bottom of the pit under the outhouse that Trump takes dumps in.

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[Rena Stone](https://substack.com/profile/8799745-rena-stone?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268649075 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:57 AM")

The existence of people like Trump and the turtle make this atheist wish that she believed in the existence of a hell.

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[Mimi](https://substack.com/profile/61900624-mimi?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268508510 "May 31, 2026, 11:08 PM")

nice analogy - horrifying imagery --lol

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268377969 "May 31, 2026, 5:19 PM")

I doubt if the turtle (my sister's name for him) cares.

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[Merry](https://substack.com/profile/16362381-merry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268408079 "May 31, 2026, 6:29 PM")

McConnell is even less cognizant and coherent that deviant Donnie!

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[monte lieberfarb](https://substack.com/profile/7202175-monte-lieberfarb?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268474839 "May 31, 2026, 9:24 PM")

Jon Stewart had of fun turtle impersonation back in the day.

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[Michiel Horn](https://substack.com/profile/315051866-michiel-horn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268407986 "May 31, 2026, 6:29 PM")

Do you think he cares?

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[Marcus](https://substack.com/profile/123327495-marcus?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268430924 "May 31, 2026, 7:28 PM")

Mitch married well, and no, he doesn't care. But if you read about his in-laws, he could become one of the best studies in irony should he get caught in Taiwan visiting in-laws when mainland China invades Taiwan and jails all the people who look like Mitch. We can always dream, can't we?

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[Chickenfarmer](https://substack.com/profile/400531569-chickenfarmer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268501299 "May 31, 2026, 10:44 PM")

Trump dished Elaine Chao. McConnell should have convicted Trump He bares the greatest blame for mTrump 2.0

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[scott](https://substack.com/profile/382334070-scott?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268377913 "May 31, 2026, 5:19 PM")

Indeed... but since we're assigning blame. Joe and Jill deserve plenty. There was a good crop of Dem's in the wings, but for the Democrats to line up behind 81 year old Joe until it was too late, was just plain stupid.

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[Sandra Nicht](https://substack.com/profile/9502204-sandra-nicht?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268425001 "May 31, 2026, 7:13 PM")

the biggest mistakes Joe made were: appointing Merrick Garland (who took too damned long), not expanding the Supreme Court to rebalance it ideologically, and in trying to debate after an exhausting trip after going back on his promise to be a one term President.

that said, I've been following Election Truth Alliance and This Will Hold here on Substack, Harris WON goddamn it and they can prove it. PLUS Greg Palast has been documenting for years how the GOP has been rigging elections via illegal voter purges...

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268427712 "May 31, 2026, 7:20 PM")

Why do you think he had the power to expand the Supreme Court?

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[Sandra Nicht](https://substack.com/profile/9502204-sandra-nicht?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268465668 "May 31, 2026, 8:59 PM")

Heather Cox Richardson might have covered the topic. The Constitution does not mandate a certain number of Justices, it must be an act of Congress and then signed by the President, and it's been done six times in our history.

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268484336 "May 31, 2026, 9:51 PM") Edited

Exactly-- it's not something a president can do by him/herself, which was what I was trying to point out.

If I remember correctly, Heather has suggested that the number of justices should at least match the number of circuits-- 13 I think? It would make great sense and indeed it should be done. But it's not something Biden could have just up and done on his own, if I understand this properly, so I don't think it makes sense to blame him for not doing it.

We have to remember, too, that a lot of Biden's time in office was taken up by dealing with COVID and trying to bring the economy back online, as well as trying to repair the damage from the last administration. He was kinda busy.

(I too find the material from This Will Hold about the 2024 election very compelling.)

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[It's a Grand Journey](https://substack.com/profile/72325122-its-a-grand-journey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268476669 "May 31, 2026, 9:29 PM")

With the filibuster, it would never have passed the Senate.

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[Robin Luethe](https://substack.com/profile/25263156-robin-luethe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268498926 "May 31, 2026, 10:36 PM")

Biden did not have a majority without the traitor from the welfare queen state of western virginia.

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[Robin Luethe](https://substack.com/profile/25263156-robin-luethe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268506457 "May 31, 2026, 11:01 PM")

What distresses me about West Virginia is that it is a low income state, with declining industry, coal mining. Despite Republicans defunding treatment for black lung disease, and for the safety nets for income and health care paid for from taxes from blue states, the state votes Republican election cycle after election cycle. What gives?

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[Ondaiwai](https://substack.com/profile/5353807-ondaiwai?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268542062 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:18 AM")

All the Red states are like that: firmly convinced that the Old South will return and they'll be on top again.

Reconstruction needs to be completed properly

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[Continue thread →](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268542062)

[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268986654 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:47 PM")

its about making america white again. there's a scene in the western show hell on wheels where the actor Common, a former slave, says to an irish worker, do you think you are better off just because you are one rung higher than me? yer goddamn right, he replies....

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268902138 "Jun 1, 2026, 3:50 PM")

I have the impression Mr. Garland was better suited for SCOTUS than for AG.

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[Edward Kern](https://substack.com/profile/15848922-edward-kern?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268794250 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:29 PM")

Oh that he'd had the humility to open his stable of exceptional young mentees to the national political fields and that they collectively had been entrustly to build upon his legacy putting the country back on track after the 2016-2020 debacle.

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[Mimi](https://substack.com/profile/61900624-mimi?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268509527 "May 31, 2026, 11:11 PM")

I most respectfully disagree. Biden was hounded out by the right in the same way the whole birther thing went after Obama. It is merciless character assasination and too many Democrats play right along. So Biden was older and having some issues--he had good people in place ad we would be so much better off right now.

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[Rena Stone](https://substack.com/profile/8799745-rena-stone?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268651204 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:03 AM")

Correct.

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[michael east](https://substack.com/profile/251553704-michael-east?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268476926 "May 31, 2026, 9:30 PM")

I am a firm supporter of Biden and still feel he suffered a stroke or other neural attack the he honestly felt he could recover from and proceed to campaign successfully. It's tragic that he wasn't properly counseled by family and friends to give up the campaign and retire with dignity.

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[scott](https://substack.com/profile/382334070-scott?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268481689 "May 31, 2026, 9:44 PM")

In 2020 he said he wanted to be a bridge to the next generation. He should have stuck to it. RBG will be remembered for the same mistake.

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268987191 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:48 PM")

he never promised or said anything to indicate that he was one term, and no president would, ever. source: lawrence o donnel.

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[mark estrin](https://substack.com/profile/226363618-mark-estrin?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270720720 "Jun 4, 2026, 5:08 PM")

Perhaps not expressly...

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[mark estrin](https://substack.com/profile/226363618-mark-estrin?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270722720 "Jun 4, 2026, 5:12 PM")

Very generous!

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268987463 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:49 PM")

he had a world class neurologist examine him and make his report public. what he needed was a urologist...

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[Leigh Hamilton](https://substack.com/profile/178507827-leigh-hamilton?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268660243 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:24 AM")

Trump won 49.8% of the vote. Harris won 48.3%. "Other" won 1.85%. Can't say those numbers are exact, but they're close.

Harris was \*qualified\*, intelligent, experienced, strong and delivered a COHESIVE message.

NOTHING that is happening today is the result of Biden, and certainly not his wife, Jill (??), or the Democrats.

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268988569 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:51 PM")

she could not answer the one question her team had to know was coming....what would you do differently....she could not answer the trans ads, despite rick wilson telling her team they would lose if they didn't respond; he even made an ad they could use. they refused. their own polling showed she was going to lose, every time. michael podhorzer noted it to, and wrote about it in october; he said polling showed dem friendly indies and squishy dems were going to sit this one out.

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[jibal jibal](https://substack.com/profile/11044383-jibal-jibal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269730301 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:30 AM")

Ignorant dishonest fool blocked.

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[NubbyShober](https://substack.com/profile/29685872-nubbyshober?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268407399 "May 31, 2026, 6:28 PM")

This.

Makes me wonder if Mitch ever regrets blowing his one and only chance to ban Trump from higher office.

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[Sandra Nicht](https://substack.com/profile/9502204-sandra-nicht?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268423679 "May 31, 2026, 7:10 PM")

there is a reason we picked him as the Greatest Quisling in Andy Borowitz' poll...

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[David Stone](https://substack.com/profile/416403926-david-stone?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268559772 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:35 AM")

Here's the problem in a nutshell: You all line up to assign blame, but not one has any idea or willingness to get off their seats and do something about it.

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268983321 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:40 PM")

blame it on the voters, who knew exactly who he was. there is no excuse. a man who told tens of thousands of lies told them he would lower prices day one. and they believed him, over the black woman....ok then.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 5](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/271284368 "Jun 5, 2026, 4:42 PM")

The black woman endorsed Biden's idiotic mistakes, most significantly "Ironclad Support." For Israel. Israel is a tail wagging the American dog. Under Biden and Trump.

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[David Schak](https://substack.com/profile/46543290-david-schak?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268454759 "May 31, 2026, 8:29 PM")

Spot on!

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270235623 "Jun 3, 2026, 8:53 PM")

The "black woman" expressly adopted Biden's policies, including "ironclad support" for the Gaza murders of over 70,000 people, mostly innocent. She blew it.

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[jibal jibal](https://substack.com/profile/11044383-jibal-jibal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270301685 "Jun 4, 2026, 12:22 AM")

Lying racist troll.

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[Jon Harrison](https://substack.com/profile/120424193-jon-harrison?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268408594 "May 31, 2026, 6:31 PM")

You are so right, Gooddogbadphotos

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375935 "May 31, 2026, 5:14 PM") Edited

_Comment removed_

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[It's a Grand Journey](https://substack.com/profile/72325122-its-a-grand-journey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268478347 "May 31, 2026, 9:34 PM")

He was not demented or incapacited. He was still fully capable of running the country, but the mainstream media highlighted every stutter or misspoken word, while ignoring Trump's disconnect with reality.

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[John Gregory](https://substack.com/profile/34043858-john-gregory?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268483144 "May 31, 2026, 9:48 PM")

precisely. Biden was slow on the uptake but never incoherent, never cruel, never childish - and his advisors and Cabinet members were thoughtful and competent and honest.

Recall that a week after the horrible debate, he did a full hour's press conference after the NATO meeting in DC, taking reporters' unscripted questions about foreign policy, and was entirely credible doing so. Trump could not do that for three minutes.

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268990467 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:56 PM")

iirc he mixed up a few names and countries and that became the story. also, the judge who released the report on his classified files all but said he let him off because he had alzheimer's.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270236266 "Jun 3, 2026, 8:55 PM")

did you watch the debate? There's tons of footage showing Biden's incapability to be president. Yet he and Jill chose to run. Read "Original Sin."

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268989892 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:54 PM")

i liked joe, but the consensus among both voters and the dem apparatus was that he was not up to it; i heard this from a former dem governor who had the inside track. so we were doomed. harris got us within fighting distance and almost pulled it off. yes, she was flawed. but the alternative was horrific. so when dem leaning indies and soft dems sat this one out, they allowed trump's rabid base to pad his numbers when low info voters chose change for changes sake. well, they got the change alright.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270236619 "Jun 3, 2026, 8:56 PM")

Only fools still respect Joe and Jill. He enabled Trump's second term.

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[It's a Grand Journey](https://substack.com/profile/72325122-its-a-grand-journey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269033705 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:41 PM") Edited

I agree that was an opinion held by many, probably most people. I blame Russian bots and corporate media for that. And it didn't matter whether they were right or wrong, they were unlikely to vote for Biden.

For what it is worth, my memory is that it was a special prosecutor who released the report. He retracted most of the damaging statements when he had to testify under oath in front of Congress. Butt just like the inaccurate summary of the Mueller Report, the damage was done before the full details came out.

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[Marcus](https://substack.com/profile/123327495-marcus?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268341348 "May 31, 2026, 3:57 PM")

Yes, but then you have to look at John Roberts and Clarence Thomas, who is shamefully on the take, and Sam Alito hanging the upside-down flag outside his house. Who is bankrolling them to feel this secure about their obvious treason? Why didn't the Republican Congress stop DOGE and drug-addled Elon Musk from prancing about with a chainsaw? Why did we decide to abandon NATO and allow this insane President to threaten Canada and Greenland?

There is much more at play in our body politic than we will allow our deluded eyes to see! This is a very brave, prescient, and truthful post from Paul! It is our call to action to uncover the unsavory truths that create our present human dilemma.

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[T Mac](https://substack.com/profile/250525566-t-mac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268368209 "May 31, 2026, 4:56 PM")

The destruction and chaos across America can be linked to a very large number of pro kleptocracy decisions by the Roberts Court.

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[chris lemon](https://substack.com/profile/8699641-chris-lemon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268469673 "May 31, 2026, 9:10 PM") Edited

Citizens United was probably the final nail in democracy's coffin.

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[deborah hennessy](https://substack.com/profile/16377265-deborah-hennessy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268348206 "May 31, 2026, 4:12 PM")

As for Greenland, Estee Lauder‘s offspring is one of likely a dozen billionaires who are pushing Trump towards Greenland for the critical minerals. And Cuba. And Venezuela.

You got billions? Well, we’ve got an idiot president, and all you have to do is whisper in his ear.

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[Marcus](https://substack.com/profile/123327495-marcus?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268350546 "May 31, 2026, 4:17 PM")

Yes, but the whisper in the ear is only heard if the gold bar is slipped into his pocket.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268378494 "May 31, 2026, 5:20 PM")

But they have plenty of gold bars - and even more gold-plated ones.

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[Msnymph](https://substack.com/profile/245706562-msnymph?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268362878 "May 31, 2026, 4:44 PM")

I read that Roberts took $20 million from firms which had cases before his court. No coverage in the mainstream media. I wish someone would check this out.

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[William Moore](https://substack.com/profile/37185064-william-moore?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268382869 "May 31, 2026, 5:30 PM")

You may confusing the Chief Justice with his wife who does make very large sums of money as a recruiter for high end legal talent. I don't think Roberts is dumb enough to be on the take like that, but he certainly would be willing to whisper in the wife's ear now and then where a large fee could be had for hooking up some legal beagles.

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[Marcus](https://substack.com/profile/123327495-marcus?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268433463 "May 31, 2026, 7:34 PM")

If they have a shared bank account, does it matter how the cash got there? As we used to say in the banking world, "money is fungible."

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[Dana Twight](https://substack.com/profile/3849740-dana-twight?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268863089 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:35 PM") Edited

Roberts' spouse should not being doing that for paid or unpaid employment.

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[Susan Gillespie](https://substack.com/profile/608478-susan-gillespie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268347820 "May 31, 2026, 4:11 PM")

VERY GOOD questions, especially about DOGE!

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[Sandy S](https://substack.com/profile/156210062-sandy-s?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268424951 "May 31, 2026, 7:13 PM")

If all of this wasn't scary enough, I am hearing here on Substack that Trump is putting the Dept. of Education under the Dept. of Labor. AND that he has revoked all child labor laws. Somebody please tell me this is not so.

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[cbl wobbe](https://substack.com/profile/362492341-cbl-wobbe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273546758 "Jun 9, 2026, 6:52 PM")

I wish I could. It seems like we're getting worse than 3rd world country status by the day. It's a pay for pardons putting criminals back out there to do it again, as well as letting them off the hook for having to pay their victims. If you pay me enough money for it I'll make it happen and that's not only for pardons. As Felon47, his family and regime are taking whatever they want, changing it to make it work for them. They're selling out the US for their own personal profit and power. They're totally destroying the US from within. The war for Israel with Iran has destabilized not only the US but the world and Netanyahu won't agree to end it, so Felon47 won't do it until Israel is satisfied. Problem is there they won't be satisfied. Maybe it's time for the world to stop DT, Netanyahu and Putin. If Senate RepubliCONS would stop blocking investigations into Epsteins Financials maybe we could stop all of them as we should!! Epsteins Financials where Records show proof of ties between DT, Russia and Epstein. Another investigation into Epsteins Financials where Records show there are 4,725 Wire Transfers to DJT totalling $1.8B from just one of Epsteins many accounts from various bank's. Either of these investigations could end this regimes reign of terror. So why are Senate RepubliCONS blocking these investigations?? Why are they protecting DT from serious crimes?? Why are they failing our Country and not obeying their oath they swore to uphold??

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[cbl wobbe](https://substack.com/profile/362492341-cbl-wobbe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273546764 "Jun 9, 2026, 6:52 PM")

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268333139 "May 31, 2026, 3:40 PM")

Look up "Personality Disorders Type B" Severe instances of disorders, and not just narcissism. Trump is a very sick man.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268380024 "May 31, 2026, 5:23 PM")

Many doctors believe that Trump is suffering from Frontotemporal dementia. And the rest of the world is suffering from Trump.

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[Mary Boudreau](https://substack.com/profile/96715037-mary-boudreau?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269475057 "Jun 2, 2026, 3:17 PM")

Let’s just say that he’s the worst person in the world by far as demonstrated by his behavior privately and on the world stage. He’s an adjudicated criminal with no sense of morality and social responsibility. He models himself after mobsters. The people using him as there puppet are just like him.

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[T Mac](https://substack.com/profile/250525566-t-mac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268368678 "May 31, 2026, 4:57 PM")

The destruction and chaos across America can be linked to a very large number of pro kleptocracy decisions by the most political Roberts Court.

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[Judy](https://substack.com/profile/244047126-judy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375230 "May 31, 2026, 5:12 PM")

Yes, he is very sick. But his sicknesses are not negatively affecting his life. He can satisfy his sick needs. So he doesn't see a reason to get help.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270237413 "Jun 3, 2026, 8:58 PM")

Personality disorders are very hard to treat, often impossible. Biden has severe cases of Type B Personality Disorders. Look that up on Google or Wikipedia.

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[Julian Turnbull](https://substack.com/profile/309596162-julian-turnbull?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 14](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/276319351 "Jun 14, 2026, 4:09 PM")

I did and he doesn't. Must try harder.

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[jibal jibal](https://substack.com/profile/11044383-jibal-jibal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270301143 "Jun 4, 2026, 12:20 AM")

No he doesn't.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268378369 "May 31, 2026, 5:20 PM")

_Comment removed_

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[SophieM](https://substack.com/profile/51182007-sophiem?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268391517 "May 31, 2026, 5:49 PM")

There's no comparison between Biden and trump, other than age. Biden was not mentally ill, nor pathologically evil.

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[Skepticat](https://substack.com/profile/100199832-skepticat?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268433524 "May 31, 2026, 7:34 PM")

He stuttered, which is a physical rather than a mental defect, but that too often was seen as the sort of dementia that tRump exhibits.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 14](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/276350248 "Jun 14, 2026, 5:13 PM")

"Stuttering" had nothing to do with his "gaffes." Not presidential, or even Vice presidential material. He made up tall tales and engaged in plagiarism. Repeatedly.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268409581 "May 31, 2026, 6:33 PM")

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[Sandy S](https://substack.com/profile/156210062-sandy-s?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268427170 "May 31, 2026, 7:18 PM")

But you see, you don't care about any of us either.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268376604 "May 31, 2026, 5:16 PM")

_Comment removed_

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[Laura Fraser](https://substack.com/profile/316412922-laura-fraser?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268407213 "May 31, 2026, 6:27 PM")

Biden is old, but not mentally ill. And he can still run rings around Trump intellectually.

What you have now is a situation where ultimate power rests in the hands of a man who is so unstable and corrupt that he has ruined the reputation of the USA for generations to come, not to mention the fact that he has the power to start a nuclear war and has proven himself so ego-driven that an insult might drive him to push that button.

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[Merry](https://substack.com/profile/16362381-merry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268410154 "May 31, 2026, 6:35 PM")

Agree. Trump would rather burn the whole world down than admit that he’s wrong about anything. He lives for revenge. And as long as he’s untethered, he is extremely dangerous. In fact, he’s a weapon of mass destruction.

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[Susan Borkowski](https://substack.com/profile/18035965-susan-borkowski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268583540 "Jun 1, 2026, 4:17 AM")

No comparison whatsoever between Trump and Biden.

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[Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/181706056-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268991510 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:58 PM")

agreed, but you won't see that in the legacy media. they gotta compare the two....

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[Carolyn Herz](https://substack.com/profile/639187-carolyn-herz?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268336357 "May 31, 2026, 3:47 PM")

The Lewis Powell memo of 1971 and all of the people who acted on it to turn the U.S. into a corrupt kleptocracy.

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374844 "May 31, 2026, 5:11 PM")

Don’t forget Dems getting behind neoliberalism

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[donnajoslyn](https://substack.com/profile/4936062-donnajoslyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268416601 "May 31, 2026, 6:52 PM")

could you define what you mean by neoliberalism?

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268433056 "May 31, 2026, 7:33 PM")

Look it up. It started under raygun

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[donnajoslyn](https://substack.com/profile/4936062-donnajoslyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268436251 "May 31, 2026, 7:41 PM")

I asked you. I'm interested in how you define it - since you seem intent on using memes and slogans. What do you think constitutes a neoliberal?

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[Steve Winkler](https://substack.com/profile/53845312-steve-winkler?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268465478 "May 31, 2026, 8:58 PM")

Someone who espouses liberal policies but secretly and ingeniously implements doctrine that subvert them.

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[donnajoslyn](https://substack.com/profile/4936062-donnajoslyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268485031 "May 31, 2026, 9:54 PM")

well no, not actually

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268440394 "May 31, 2026, 7:52 PM")

Google it. It’s why Trump was elected.

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[donnajoslyn](https://substack.com/profile/4936062-donnajoslyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268485721 "May 31, 2026, 9:56 PM")

no, not really. he's just a con artist. But he's neither liberal nor conservative. He has no philosophy or set of values except for gimme more.

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268499470 "May 31, 2026, 10:38 PM")

That’s my point. Electorate hungry for progressive policies not neoliberalism but Trump convinced Murikans he would deliver but lied which is why he went to Hillary’s left

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270780286 "Jun 4, 2026, 7:18 PM")

The electorate rejected Woke policies. And Gaza. Biden and Harris.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270779773 "Jun 4, 2026, 7:17 PM")

He was elected because of Gaza, and Biden running for a second term, and because the people around Biden his his obvious disabilities. Then Harris adopted Biden's policies on The View.

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270782894 "Jun 4, 2026, 7:24 PM")

nah.....it is from the 40 years of neoliberal policies by the dems using overpaid consultants instead of governing for policies that murikans want but trump touted those policies in 2016 (going to hillary's left) and in 2024 but was able to con the low info voter who most are bigots, racist and anti woman....bottom line is voters don't give a shit that trump is a liar, a rapist, a criminal, a felon and lies as easy as his breathing

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270784760 "Jun 4, 2026, 7:29 PM")

"muricans" don't want sex changes for children. Nor do they want racial preferences. And "transexuals" are just homosexuals. A natural phenomenon, all cultures and historic. Normal.

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[Continue thread →](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270784760)

[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270238003 "Jun 3, 2026, 9:00 PM")

That was Democratic leadership endorsing "woke" ideas. Racial preferences, sex changes for children, more.

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270238289 "Jun 3, 2026, 9:00 PM")

Bullshit that myth has been debunked

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270780517 "Jun 4, 2026, 7:19 PM")

Wrong. It is obvious.

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[jibal jibal](https://substack.com/profile/11044383-jibal-jibal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270301505 "Jun 4, 2026, 12:22 AM")

Lying right wing troll.

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[Lewis Dalven](https://substack.com/profile/114097875-lewis-dalven?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268370177 "May 31, 2026, 5:01 PM")

The “madness” was with us in the Founding, when 3/5ths of a slave could boost Southern representation in Congress, the 1850s when expansion West became Bloody Kansas and The Dakotas had to be 2 states, after the Second Founding when rights conferred were not defended, in the Gilded Age, when the Trusts dominated, and in the 30s when Fascism was rising and the monied interests were for appeasement and keeping the Jews out. Even after Pearl Harbor and WWII silenced them for a time, they came back strong with anti-Communist hysteria. The impulse to scapegoat, whether it’s Reds under beds, post 9/11 Muslim Americans, or a brown skinned immigrant invasion…is all connected to one imperative…keep the gravy train rolling. Keep the voters distracted and at each other’s throats. Trump is a master at this. Miller and Vought are just tools in the toolkit, a loathsome racist and a Christofascist servant of the Heritage Foundation cabal.

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[Linda](https://substack.com/profile/256234521-linda?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268369718 "May 31, 2026, 5:00 PM")

Vought and Miller and also the filthy rich who expect something in return for continuing to protect him.

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[NubbyShober](https://substack.com/profile/29685872-nubbyshober?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268409254 "May 31, 2026, 6:33 PM")

Project 2025 honestly looked to Orban's Hungary as the template. Hungary, where authoritarianism and rampant corruption reduced its citizenry to near poverty.

That's what the GOP wants for America: permanent minority, quasi-Theocratic rule, with ever-deepening wealth inequality. Just so long as they're in charge. GOP = Impoverishment.

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[cbl wobbe](https://substack.com/profile/362492341-cbl-wobbe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273553542 "Jun 9, 2026, 7:08 PM")

That's why Senate RepubliCONS are blocking investigations into Epsteins Financials where Records show proof of ties between DT, Russia and Epstein. Another investigation shows there are 4,725 Wire Transfers to DJT totalling $1.8B from just one of Epsteins many accounts from various bank's. Either of these investigations would end this regimes reign of terror. But RepubliCONS are protecting DT from being Impeached and Convicted. They could also have put an end to the Iran War but they are profiting off of it.

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[NubbyShober](https://substack.com/profile/29685872-nubbyshober?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 10](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273694843 "Jun 10, 2026, 2:11 AM")

"Another investigation shows there are 4,725 Wire Transfers to DJT totalling $1.8B from just one of Epsteins many accounts"

Can you give me your source on this.

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[cbl wobbe](https://substack.com/profile/362492341-cbl-wobbe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 11](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/274779137 "Jun 11, 2026, 9:09 PM")

Read on Senate floor into Senate Record by Senator Ron Wyden. Also Scott Bessent is refusing to release Financial Records that Senate Democrats have requested.

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[T Mac](https://substack.com/profile/250525566-t-mac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268367229 "May 31, 2026, 4:54 PM")

The fixing of sporting events is an outcome of the billions being spent on sports gambling court decision that legalized sport betting everywhere and like many of our country’s ills can be related to the Roberts Court; Citizens United made every election for sale, Trump made a king multiple times, no rights for women, allowing voting rights to be taken away, many pro autocrat decisions, they have been mute on the sexual assault crimes by the Epstein class and more.

This is the methodology of how this kleptocracy has been sponsored and fostered by the most political and pro oligarch Supreme Court in history.

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[cbl wobbe](https://substack.com/profile/362492341-cbl-wobbe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273565558 "Jun 9, 2026, 7:36 PM")

Thanks to the RepubliCONS for the SCOTUS 6 that have gotten us where we are now. Their decision giving the Immunity they did kept us from vital information we would have had from Jack Smith's case's that were before the court's. I still want to know why Judge Cannon won't release the Court Transcripts on the Stolen documents case?? Why there was a gag order on everyone but DT?? Why we have not seen Jack Smith's Report Vol 2 on the Stolen Top Secret Classified documents case and why are they trying to seal it all for eternity?? Were the Epstein file's stolen along with our Top Secret Classified documents?? I can't believe he'd have left them behind. Not only because he was named in those file's at least 38K time's, but how valuable those file's were to him and his family with all the wealthy and powerful people around the world who's names are in those file's. He could use them to get whatever he wanted and my bet he and his family still are. So my bet is they were a part of the Stolen Top Secret Classified documents case. That's why you only heard about the Epstein file's from him too, because no one else could say anything due to the gag order on the case. Senate RepubliCONS are blocking investigations into Epsteins Financials where Records prove ties between DT, Russia and Epstein. Another investigation where Records show there are 4,725 Wire Transfers to DJT totalling $1.8B from just one of Epsteins many accounts from various bank's. Either investigations would be trouble and could end this regimes reign of terror. RepubliCONS are protecting a Traitorous Criminal from his crimes.

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[Jon Harrison](https://substack.com/profile/120424193-jon-harrison?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268409619 "May 31, 2026, 6:34 PM")

Miller and Vought are the arch villains of the piece; without them Trump would have a harder time wrecking things. But Trump is ultimately responsible. No, I take that back. The 77 million are ultimately responsible. We have met the enemy and he/she is the "low information voter."

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[bitchybitchybitchy](https://substack.com/profile/36568637-bitchybitchybitchy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268381313 "May 31, 2026, 5:26 PM")

Aided and abetted by SCOTUS and McConnell

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[CatChex](https://substack.com/profile/101578567-catchex?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374714 "May 31, 2026, 5:11 PM")

Everyone missed Leonard Leo et al?

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374375 "May 31, 2026, 5:10 PM")

And democrats for abandoning the working class for Wall Street and overpaid donors

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[Laura Fraser](https://substack.com/profile/316412922-laura-fraser?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268407796 "May 31, 2026, 6:29 PM") Edited

Most MAGA voters knew what Trump was and is and voted for him anyway, even with the bigotry and misogyny and corruption that has characterized his entire life. The fault lies with voters who, far from believing those things to be disqualifying, actively endorsed them.

Don't blame the Democrats. This is the fault of the people who gave Trump power.

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[Lyn's Eyes](https://substack.com/profile/210749474-lyns-eyes?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268598014 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:16 AM")

The magat crowd get trump. They voted for him because he's just like them except he has the money.

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[john augustine](https://substack.com/profile/10125672-john-augustine?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268433849 "May 31, 2026, 7:35 PM")

I’m talking about how Trump was able to enter in 2016 then going to Hillary’s left so if Dems would have governed to benefit working class trump never gets vomited up

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[Colly66](https://substack.com/profile/107462743-colly66?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268467065 "May 31, 2026, 9:03 PM")

Once this madman has gone America needs to have a huge reset. From how Supreme Court are picked to tax & healthcare , political donations and so much more. No more appointments for life. One thing this has shown is all the corruption & how the system has failed completely.

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[Kevin Simmonds](https://substack.com/profile/29159788-kevin-simmonds?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268793446 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:28 PM")

Why put him in the White House again after Jan 6th I watched and thought they will never give him the chance to run for second term.And also 34 Felonies.He the first Criminal President.I will tell you why you put this mad man in again.$$$$$$$$$$ Money that's how he got in again America he bought his way back in.

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[chris lemon](https://substack.com/profile/8699641-chris-lemon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268468271 "May 31, 2026, 9:06 PM")

Vought, Miller, et al, are low level drones doing the bidding of oligarchs. The instant the oligarchs need more labor, Vought and Miller will have unfortunate accidents and the floodgates of immigration will be open again. Trump is an accident, the powers that be were so arrogant they never realized their Trumpenstein monster might slip his fetters and escape from the lab.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280503800 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:19 PM")

Absolutely. Two hideous humans, if they are human.

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[Barbara Upshaw](https://substack.com/profile/1092959-barbara-upshaw?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314121 "May 31, 2026, 3:00 PM")

Yes he is and a wise man.

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[Hiro](https://substack.com/profile/55664305-hiro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268339088 "May 31, 2026, 3:52 PM")

So what is your idea to follow Krugman's call? I would say let's elect a woman president. This is doable.

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[David Betts](https://substack.com/profile/23387119-david-betts?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268366709 "May 31, 2026, 4:53 PM")

Who did you have in mind? Kristi Noem? Pam Bondi? Aileen Cannon?

Electing a woman doesn't guarantee anything. I think there are many women who would be outstanding presidents but it's due to their personal character, not their gender.

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[Hiro](https://substack.com/profile/55664305-hiro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268373734 "May 31, 2026, 5:09 PM")

One candidate is Michigan governor.

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[Hiro](https://substack.com/profile/55664305-hiro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374803 "May 31, 2026, 5:11 PM")

Another is Virginia governor just got elected?

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[Annette](https://substack.com/profile/18959355-annette?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269227205 "Jun 2, 2026, 7:41 AM") Edited

I agree with your comment. To try to elect someone based on their gender, religion, ethnicity or social class is to forget the principle that we are all equally human and have the potential to be corrupted by power and influence.

We have seen the negatives of that simple formula.

Though let's not get confused: the women you mention are favored by the same principle as the men: loyalty to the president.

Also, some of the principles included in the "anyone can run for office" campaign make a mess by electing people with a single issue to promote - people who are not lawyers for all the people in their districts but zealots who want to use the law to solve social problems - basically as lobbyists in office.

Back in the '60s we wanted to expand the opportunity to serve in our government: to give good people from all parts of our society an opportunity to represent their communities in decision making: because we all have a stake in the outcome and if our needs are underrepresented we lose as individuals. Just look at the faces of the class of 1955 congress, before women had the right to vote, black people were kept from being full citizens and being LGBTQ was basically illegal. We needed the voices from those communities to educate us as a society. The omission of those voices and lives made our claim to be a democratic society a false one.

"We the People" are suffering with a president who violates every principle we value as a democracy, uses our money as his personal bank account, and has a history so corrupt that he has suggested that only presidential immunity can save him from prison, uses lawfare to protect himself and go after his enemies. He embodies the worst parts of our past as a nation, that's MAGA.

As a woman, I especially despise Trump for using women, especially young and economically vulnerable women as a sex trader - to support his business development by creating a neverending party at hidden locations with the help of "modeling agencies." This is just like everything else he does to dominate everything and everyone without regard for the lives he destroys. Many of those young women have lost their lives to trauma and suicide.

Add into that: bragging that he destroyed reproductive freedom through the Supreme Court. His attitude is destroying the lives of women and girls who see themselves as victims to the rules of their president - whose whims are their tragedy.

Under all the weight of this catastrophe, I advocate for the election of a woman - a good woman - as our president. Because the poison of MAGA has been fed into the lives of young women and we need to heal. And so do men.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280505287 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:24 PM")

Absolutely. There are some super rotten women, just like super rotten men. We need integrity, honor, truth, justice, self control, intelligence, etc. A soul would be helpful.

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[Ron](https://substack.com/profile/39102405-ron?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268364195 "May 31, 2026, 4:47 PM")

2028 is still along way away. I don't think we can't afford to wait that long. If the Dems gain control of the House, they should try to use the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office. It appears that some Republicans are beginning to realize just how dangerous Trump is to the future of our country. Current polling suggests the Dems might even gain control of the Senate.

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[Kim Adamache](https://substack.com/profile/106444722-kim-adamache?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268367152 "May 31, 2026, 4:54 PM")

My understanding is that the 25th Amendment must be initiated by the Vice President. If I am correct about that understand then invoking the 25th is not likely to happen. We need a similar amendment that would not require the VP.

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[Ron](https://substack.com/profile/39102405-ron?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268376396 "May 31, 2026, 5:15 PM")

Thanks for the correction. I just checked the web, and you are right. A Democratic House could try to impeach Trump again, but the previous use of this procedure against Trump has not proved to be very effective.

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[Judy](https://substack.com/profile/244047126-judy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268377902 "May 31, 2026, 5:19 PM")

The Dems would need enough votes in the Senate to back up the House's impeachment.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383305 "May 31, 2026, 5:31 PM")

The Democrats would have to hold all of their current seats and win elections against 21 of the Republicans who are up for election this time. And deal with Fetterman. Something like the old cartoon where the key element in the equation is "and then a miracle happens."

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[It's a Grand Journey](https://substack.com/profile/72325122-its-a-grand-journey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268508027 "May 31, 2026, 11:06 PM")

Congress does not have the power to start the 25th amendment process. But they can impeach.

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[Susan Borkowski](https://substack.com/profile/18035965-susan-borkowski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268585689 "Jun 1, 2026, 4:25 AM")

The majority of us, the opposition to Trump, are still trying to act lawfully. We may need to reconsider.

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[deborah hennessy](https://substack.com/profile/16377265-deborah-hennessy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268353385 "May 31, 2026, 4:23 PM")

Actually, for me, I just sat down to watch Ken Burns’ The American Revolution… For a second time.

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[Christ is King](https://substack.com/profile/52740682-christ-is-king?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268788822 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:20 PM")

You people are all insane.

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[DanKinSD](https://substack.com/profile/228377884-dankinsd?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268969024 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:07 PM")

Your chosen user name suggests you are a magic thinker and not very bright.

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[Kirk Somerville](https://substack.com/profile/28885836-kirk-somerville?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268720111 "Jun 1, 2026, 10:21 AM")

What can I say about our President that hasn’t been said many times already? His end will not save us. We are lost sheep left to the wolves. Only an outbreak of kindness can save us . Love your neighbor as you love your self…do we still love ?

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[Mu](https://substack.com/profile/50239064-mu?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270377076 "Jun 4, 2026, 5:34 AM")

Very sweet. Terribly sad.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280505710 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:25 PM")

Yep. A small group, under funded in everyday against a rich, powerful enemy. The will wins.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268414560 "May 31, 2026, 6:46 PM")

_Comment removed_

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[deborah hennessy](https://substack.com/profile/16377265-deborah-hennessy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268422039 "May 31, 2026, 7:06 PM")

It’s a kleptocracy, pure and simple.

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268429719 "May 31, 2026, 7:25 PM")

You must not personally know anyone in public office. We're in trouble but this degree of cynicism is not warranted. Some of them are working their tails off for the public good.

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[deborah hennessy](https://substack.com/profile/16377265-deborah-hennessy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268475825 "May 31, 2026, 9:27 PM")

I know you’re right about that. I am volunteering for an independent veteran for this midterm election because I do know there are good people out there.

It’s the lack of term limits and bending all the rules and ethics with no accountability that corrupts so many of these people.

The Trump-Epstein files are evidence enough in my mind.

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268487579 "May 31, 2026, 10:01 PM")

Rep. Melanie Stansbury, who I referenced below, has been pushing hard for the truth about the New Mexico parts of the Epstein crimes. Some old-guard leaders we used to admire here were heavily involved, sad to say.

It sure seems like more heads should have rolled as a result of all this.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268454741 "May 31, 2026, 8:29 PM") Edited

_Comment removed_

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268457248 "May 31, 2026, 8:36 PM")

Actually my first thought IS in the federal government-- my Congresswoman, Melanie Stansbury.

I understand your point and why you think this way, but absolute negativity about government is never going to get us better government. In fact, it's a significant part of the fix we're in now.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268474480 "May 31, 2026, 9:23 PM")

_Comment removed_

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268487969 "May 31, 2026, 10:03 PM")

Indeed, the more those in power can set us against each other, the less effective we are and the easier it is for them to run roughshod over everything.

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Comment removed

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268489387 "May 31, 2026, 10:07 PM")

_Comment removed_

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[Elene Gusch](https://substack.com/profile/9459255-elene-gusch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268508281 "May 31, 2026, 11:07 PM")

Things always tend to go to an extreme and then boomerang back the other way. There are already young folk with whom it's fashionable to eschew social media and meet in the real world.

Whatever happens, for good or ill, things won't stay the same, because the world doesn't work that way.

Best wishes.

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[Guy](https://substack.com/profile/8550570-guy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268435567 "May 31, 2026, 7:39 PM")

Huh? That's your answer? Just elect a woman? Problem solved?

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268545343 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:32 AM") Edited

Why not. Does Prez Trump not proof that the US voters have no problem "just electing some guy"? (We have more examples.) In all 250 years the US exists, never has a woman been at the helm. It is time. Maybe then US women can get some essential rights back that they recently lost.

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[Joanna Weinberger](https://substack.com/profile/11285243-joanna-weinberger?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268777801 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:00 PM")

It's brilliant. The extraterrestrial MAGA species are sadistic phallus worshippers.

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[Tara Jones-LeGros](https://substack.com/profile/43145406-tara-jones-legros?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268970752 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:11 PM")

A woman has to be defined first. What is a woman?

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[Hiro](https://substack.com/profile/55664305-hiro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268978394 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:28 PM")

Good point. Ans in Genesis 2:22

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[Mary Jo Schuermann](https://substack.com/profile/690542-mary-jo-schuermann?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268339628 "May 31, 2026, 3:54 PM")

Just what I was thinking.

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[Belgiumgrp](https://substack.com/profile/290039215-belgiumgrp?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269643346 "Jun 2, 2026, 9:33 PM")

Total BS Propaganda.

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[Jaftosupremis](https://substack.com/profile/96091046-jaftosupremis?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268794254 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:29 PM")

Krugman is a dolt.

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[Mu](https://substack.com/profile/50239064-mu?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270378357 "Jun 4, 2026, 5:39 AM")

The hidden comments are disturbing. I had assumed Magats don't read.

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[Mu](https://substack.com/profile/50239064-mu?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270376843 "Jun 4, 2026, 5:33 AM")

The US has blood-soaked hands that will never come clean. Anyone profiting from trading weapons stocks boosted by our constant fiendish KILLING forays can never be forgiven.

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[SHEILA FARMER](https://substack.com/profile/16342107-sheila-farmer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269013014 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:50 PM")

The saddest and most chilling reflection on the now is that millions of VOTERS voted for this corrupt creature…then.

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[Ryan Collay](https://substack.com/profile/300081561-ryan-collay?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268539133 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:06 AM")

He is obviously seriously impaired to lead the country and must be removed, or at the very least reduced in his ‘influence.’ One place to start is to point out that his tweets hold no authorized authority. He can post shit but it’s meaningless!

First, to return to the regular rule of order; twist and tweets are not law!

Second, we must hold those in the White House, the core staff, accountable for following laws as written by Congress and this requires they step up and finally call a halt to the stupidity that is spewed on a regular basis by too many in the administration…they have professed through an oath, and they are not following many laws.

And last, we must point out that the money paying for much of this is illegal and will be prosecuted once he is gone…the bribes, the insider trading, the shams, the whole bullshit of the ‘crime lard’ and his kin!

Last is the fear of God all mighty! The Ten Commandments!

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[Fred White](https://substack.com/profile/33338528-fred-white?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268447572 "May 31, 2026, 8:10 PM")

Ditto! That said, the rich people who kept Biden in power were responsible for Trump’s victory

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[Mitchell Douglas](https://substack.com/profile/69767094-mitchell-douglas?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268313213 "May 31, 2026, 2:58 PM")

Yet still—crickets from the mainstream media

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[BobTimpson](https://substack.com/profile/14289152-bobtimpson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268324476 "May 31, 2026, 3:22 PM")

The polls say MAGA is only about 19% of the US, but that's enough to win Repub primaries and control Congress and the White House. Maybe we need not just new faces, but systemic reform of Congress and the Supreme Court. And the Founders said we had to have people of "virtue" in public offices; we could start with political contribution reform.

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[Ann H](https://substack.com/profile/285311097-ann-h?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268333147 "May 31, 2026, 3:40 PM")

Yes, but before we can have political contribution reform, we would need to have Supreme Court reform. Or we'd need years of Democratic presidents to fill sufficient formerly right-wing seats on the court to bring sanity back to it. That's the problem, really: we need so much change, at so many levels, that each level sort of holds back change overall. The whole system has become self-sustainingly corrupt.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268360487 "May 31, 2026, 4:39 PM")

There are better ways to appoint a judiciary. Political appointment for life may be the worst.

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[Louise Purfield-Coak](https://substack.com/profile/366966951-louise-purfield-coak?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268354997 "May 31, 2026, 4:27 PM")

We need to expand the Court and put a legal code of ethics at the same time. Then after 2028 if we can get and keep power, impeach at least the worst of them like Thomas, Alito, and Kennedy. After all, Kennedy lied for sure during his confirmation hearings, at the least. I'm not sure what grounds to use on Gorseth (sp?) Maybe in some sort of deMAGAfication all Trump appointees could be removed from Office including any Judges.

Getting money out of politics is a must. States are Starting to move on this. California and New York plus Hawaii have or are moving to prevent Corporate PAC Donations in their States! I just read today that my State of Michigan Elections Board has been handed more than 800,000 petition signatures to put an amendment on the Ballot in November to prevent State Regulated and or monopolistic corporations to donate to any Candidates for election in the State. That is about 300,000 more signatures than needed. All collected by volunteers. Believe me, the volunteers were everywhere like a disturbed ant hill! Polling in the State shows a 82%approval rating by voters in the State for passage, but Corporations haven't weighed in with any campaign against it yet, but I don't watch much TV. I read, especially Substack and digital British Press reports my cousin forwards me by email.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268369256 "May 31, 2026, 4:59 PM")

I think you mean Kavanaugh.

But Justice Kennedy deserves some censure too. Why in the world did he retire when he did in July 2028 and allow Trump to appoint his replacement. It was already clear that Trump was bad news. If Kennedy had waited until Biden was elected, the current court would be 5-4 not 6-3.

And if Ginsberg had not been so vain and had retired earlier in Obama's term, the court would be 4-5! Liberal egos and vanities are problems too.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268546988 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:39 AM") Edited

@Carl: typo, it was July 2018.

Politcal power is apparenty addictive, and many at the top are therefore glued to their seats.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268476387 "May 31, 2026, 9:29 PM")

Additionally: If Clinton had resigned because of the Lewinsky scandal or the Democrats had impeached him for lying under oath (which they should have), Al Gore would have run in 2020 as the incumbent and beaten George W. Bush. Again: Democratic ego and vanity rot have been one source of the current state of affairs.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268547689 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:42 AM") Edited

It could still have happened if Mr. Nader had kept his ego in check. He received 2.88 million votes nationwide, with 97,488 in Florida, where Bush beat Gore by just 537 votes. (Or so they say.)

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[HCinKC](https://substack.com/profile/311621473-hcinkc?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268675021 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:56 AM") Edited

That was his margin when SCOTUS stopped the recount, so we don’t actually know if Bush would have maintained a lead. But this is a good example of why the electoral college needs to be abolished. Popular vote. Popular vote. Popular vote.

Gore is especially heartbreaking given where we are with climate change. Who knows what the American political landscape would look like. Maybe we would still have found our way here. But who knows what the global landscape would look like had he been able to lead on the environmental front.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268946207 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:18 PM") Edited

More heartbreaking to me, for the US response after 9/11. I always will think that Mr. Gore would have kept a cooler head. The average Afghani has nothing to do with this horrible event. On top of that Mr. Bush invaded Iraq for a 2nd. time soon afterwards. It helped the rise of DAESH. It sent even larger numbers of refugees on their way, many ending up in Europe.

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[Patrick M. Dennis, MD](https://substack.com/profile/25863004-patrick-m-dennis-md?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268479786 "May 31, 2026, 9:38 PM")

You mean 2000, but yes, I've been saying this for years. An honorable man would have resigned.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268949813 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:26 PM")

Honorable men do not put cigars where they do not belong while in office.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268482732 "May 31, 2026, 9:47 PM")

Yes, 2000. OOPs. I'm not proofing very well.

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[donnajoslyn](https://substack.com/profile/4936062-donnajoslyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268418914 "May 31, 2026, 6:58 PM")

Or, a replay of what happened with Obama, with McConnell sitting on the senate, drooling at another chance to entirely destroy a democratic system.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268471742 "May 31, 2026, 9:16 PM")

Ginsberg was diagnosed with cancer in 2009. Obama had Democratic Senate until January 2015. She had plenty of time to retire and be replaced with a Democrat but preferred continued Supreme Court fame and glory over a common good. McConnell could have been denied an opportunity to drool.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268473452 "May 31, 2026, 9:21 PM")

And Biden had a Democratic Senate until January 2023. Kennedy's replacement could have also defined McConnell a drooling. And for some reason Democrats still praise Kennedy as a moderate swing vote. But he wasn't moderate enough to deny Trump a replacement.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268416201 "May 31, 2026, 6:51 PM")

OPPs: I meant July 2018!

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268332267 "May 31, 2026, 3:38 PM")

Good start. But the long term project would be to do a better job of defining virtue and instilling it in our citizens.

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[BobTimpson](https://substack.com/profile/14289152-bobtimpson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268337660 "May 31, 2026, 3:49 PM") Edited

I think there is a lot of virtue out there, in much community service, Boy Scouts, most cops, most FBI and military, most civil servants, most churches, philanthropy, etc. We have a culture of organizations and usually with principles and codes of ethics. Just a lot of leadership would make a huge difference, just as the Trump family has made a huge difference in the wrong direction.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268361189 "May 31, 2026, 4:40 PM")

You can't design a political system in 1789, make it nearly impossible to amend, and make it work 2.5 centuries later.

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[BobTimpson](https://substack.com/profile/14289152-bobtimpson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268364809 "May 31, 2026, 4:49 PM")

Gee our Supremes and President have amended our system greatly without a Constitutional amendment. We can give it a try.

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268356759 "May 31, 2026, 4:31 PM")

I think that’s true, Bob, but less so than in the past, even the recent past. Our “leaders” are now entertainers. Cranky old man ranting here 😝

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[Louise Purfield-Coak](https://substack.com/profile/366966951-louise-purfield-coak?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268359787 "May 31, 2026, 4:37 PM")

Yes, that is why MAGA has been attacking education and libraries, by trying to put people on their boards. And we have had such terrible examples of virtueless leadership in Washington, Corporations and at the highest level of the Courts as examples of integrity. The values of virtue and integrity need to be re-implimented in an expanded civics and ethics class as early as Jr.High or High School.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268386008 "May 31, 2026, 5:37 PM")

With the expansion of the private school systems and taxpayer support for people who send their kids there, getting any decent civics or ethics classes in place is a pipe dream.

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268369421 "May 31, 2026, 4:59 PM")

Agreed. When “efficiency” and profit are our sole guidelines, Trump 2.0 is what we get. And deserve.

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[Louise Purfield-Coak](https://substack.com/profile/366966951-louise-purfield-coak?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268382370 "May 31, 2026, 5:28 PM")

Oh, you are so right! Too many narcissists seem to climb to the top over everyone else. Be it in Politics, Business and maybe even in some of the Arts. I'm afraid Biden might be the last of our achievers to get to the top on hard work and just learning all the skills as first an apprentice, then a journeyman lastly a master! Keeping his compassion and humanity all along the way.

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268443113 "May 31, 2026, 7:59 PM")

That’s a good analogy, Louise. Biden perfected the craft of being President, but never learned the art. All substance, no style (and how I miss him 😢). I hope he’s not the last of the ethical achievers to win the Presidency, but I also hope that guy or gal has a certain sense of style that he or she can project to inspire the people.

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[Kim Nesvig](https://substack.com/profile/16357083-kim-nesvig?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268642678 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:41 AM")

I recall reading that Nazi’s comprised only about 10% of German society, and yet the combination of apathy on the part of the majority and the cooperation of the German oligarchy was all that Hitler needed to grab power. Kinda like America. Hitler’s regime managed to survive for almost 13 years, but we all know how that turned out. Hopefully, Trump’s reign of error won’t conclude as violently, but he does seem to want a bunker.

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[Katharine Cosenza Butler](https://substack.com/profile/271565068-katharine-cosenza-butler?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318204 "May 31, 2026, 3:08 PM")

Of course crickets! They failed us long, long ago.

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331709 "May 31, 2026, 3:37 PM")

Not just failed, they are compromised.

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[Betsy Groth](https://substack.com/profile/34764433-betsy-groth?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269191810 "Jun 2, 2026, 5:59 AM")

We should just give up on corporate media. Don’t buy , don’t believe any of it. MAGA media, trying desperately to stay in the psychopath’s good side. And WH reporters? Stop debasing yourselves.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280506306 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:27 PM")

I don't do any mainstream media now. They lie.

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[Barbara](https://substack.com/profile/302563028-barbara?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331800 "May 31, 2026, 3:37 PM")

I see plenty in the mainstream media daily deploring the Trump dictatorial administration. It is couched in careful language because Trump is very litigious, but it is there. My sources are Reuters, BBC, NPR, NY Times, Wall Street Journal, CNN and others.

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[Stephen Burg](https://substack.com/profile/83270656-stephen-burg?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268328179 "May 31, 2026, 3:29 PM")

It's a complete system failure.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268334467 "May 31, 2026, 3:43 PM")

We need a complete remake of our 1789 political system. Start with a Constitutional Amendment making the 1789 thing far easier to amend. Two Senators per state regardless of size? A 2d Amendment from the age of single shot rifles? The ridiculous Electoral College? Political appointment of Federal Judges for life?

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[Edmund Clingan](https://substack.com/profile/306831483-edmund-clingan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268348817 "May 31, 2026, 4:14 PM")

We need a constitution for the 21st century of transportation and communication.

1) Replace states and counties, the root of many problems, with 340 districts of 1 million people divided into 20 cantons of 50,000. The district leaders will hold both executive power and legislative power (in a council of districts).

2) The second chamber must also be decentralized and massive. Too big and difficult for lobbyists and corporations to dominate. About 34,000 meeting remotely, elected by alphabetical order. Business organized by an executive committee to prevent things from getting unwieldy.

3) Decentralized executive departments whose heads are nominated and elected by one or both legislative bodies and whose terms don't follow any presidents. Finance can be in New York, culture in Miami, transport in Atlanta, war in San Antonio, agriculture in Chicago, science and tech in Seattle, interior in Denver, etc. Your mileage may vary.

4) Courts never have any right to overturn a national statute, much less a part of the constitution (oh, that's in the current constitution).

5) The head of state will be elected annually by the large body, have no veto or pardon or other "king-like" powers. The actual head of government may emerge formally or informally as the constitution functions. A "first among equals" might emerge from the council of districts.

6) All voting by ranked choice.

We led in political theory in 1787. Time to lead again.

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[Larry Schneider](https://substack.com/profile/257111537-larry-schneider?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268361787 "May 31, 2026, 4:42 PM")

What worked in 1789 isn't working in 2026.

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[Les Peters](https://substack.com/profile/25791645-les-peters?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268369146 "May 31, 2026, 4:59 PM")

Ok, but what happens when a Pearl Harbor happens? Part of the reason Congress started ceding its powers to the executive branch in the 20th century was the need to react quickly in an emergency.

More recently, before the Covid vaccine there was a lot of chatter about how well the Chinese government handled the pandemic compared with democratic republics. Figuring out how to handle natural disasters/pandemics and attacks without handing over power permanently continues to elude humanity.

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[Edmund Clingan](https://substack.com/profile/306831483-edmund-clingan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268399618 "May 31, 2026, 6:08 PM")

Do you think "dictator FDR" responded to Pearl Harbor by himself? Congress declared war in an orderly way as the new proposed legislature can. I mention a Dept of War; there is no abolition of the military. Of course, there would be a Dept of Health as well as other executive departments I didn't list above for the sake of space.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268387344 "May 31, 2026, 5:40 PM")

Single shot black powder muzzle-loaders. Still, the 2nd amendment was originally intended to eliminate the need for the U.S. to keep a standing army. Since we've had one for over 150 years, that amendment should be cancelled.

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[James Coyle](https://substack.com/profile/82113552-james-coyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268367768 "May 31, 2026, 4:55 PM")

Definitely worth discussing, but we should be careful what we ask for if we open that can of worms. We might get it.😁

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[Marilena Aquino de Muro](https://substack.com/profile/8840606-marilena-aquino-de-muro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330557 "May 31, 2026, 3:34 PM")

I couldn't agree more, Paul, something has to be done. But, and it seems that this BUT is huge, everyone around Trump is acting even crazier than him, watching it all unfold. It's the most grotesque spectacle to watch: a Greek tragedy or the burning of Rome? I think it's much worse!

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[Les Peters](https://substack.com/profile/25791645-les-peters?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268369516 "May 31, 2026, 4:59 PM")

“Greek tragedy or the burning of Rome”

It’s both.

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[Lisa Koch Fajardo](https://substack.com/profile/156198321-lisa-koch-fajardo?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268511790 "May 31, 2026, 11:19 PM")

You are right … and you are a rational, professional man who has achieved deserved renown. I am a rather dramatic person who has found DJT to be strange and untrustworthy since ‘The Apprentice’.

My husband, a sensible, intelligent man is used to me, but when he reads your articles, then he is justifiably terrified.

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[Art Hopkins](https://substack.com/profile/41082579-art-hopkins?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268393750 "May 31, 2026, 5:55 PM")

I worry about the people, like Musk, who support him. Are they going to rig the midterms to keep him in power and away from accountability? (and themselves on the gravy train)

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[dee Romero](https://substack.com/profile/324895389-dee-romero?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268961018 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:50 PM")

That's not true..His mental health issues are discussed daily and nearly hourly!!! SMDH

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[Jen Bulleit](https://substack.com/profile/408177102-jen-bulleit?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[3d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280462861 "Jun 21, 2026, 9:11 PM")

Well, yes, but that’s because there is something in it for them. They keep their broadcast licenses, they keep their access to most government events, agencies and office holders, keep the lawsuits away, and hopefully keep advertisers and most viewers. Losing any of media “privileges” in Trumpworld is expensive, even if loses can be challenged in our (now questionable) courts, and loss of revenue is a serious chiller. The days of information controlled by the big three network news and two papers in every city were going long before Trump.

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[Susan Borkowski](https://substack.com/profile/18035965-susan-borkowski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268581297 "Jun 1, 2026, 4:08 AM")

Mainstream media? Gone.

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[Laurie T Miller](https://substack.com/profile/110041527-laurie-t-miller?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268562436 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:47 AM")

That's because mainstream media is now owned by the wealthy who have also bought representation in our Congress. Crickets all around.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383792 "May 31, 2026, 5:32 PM")

Fox is now the mainstream media. What do you expect from them?

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[Brian](https://substack.com/profile/426802916-brian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268315375 "May 31, 2026, 3:02 PM")

Your worry and concern is perfect kayfabe response. Trump, Kayfabe, and Online Bandwidth

Trump does not use politics like a conventional politician. He uses politics like a late-career pro-wrestling promoter.

The better analogy is not statesman, strategist, or even demagogue. It is Hulk Hogan after the heel turn. Trump understands that the modern internet rewards call-outs, poses, insults, feuds, entrances, slogans, and escalating spectacle. He does not merely speak to Iran, China, Russia, Democrats, judges, journalists, or immigrants. He “calls them out” in the language of professional wrestling.

That distinction matters.

A policy statement asks to be evaluated. A kayfabe challenge asks to be answered. Trump’s genius, such as it is, lies in converting world affairs into a wrestling ring. He names the opponent. He insults the opponent. He dares the opponent to respond. Then the internet does the rest.

Young men understand this grammar immediately, especially those raised on wrestling, UFC, gaming, streaming, reaction videos, and online feud culture. The content does not need to be coherent in the old civic sense. It only needs to create a match. The match creates attention. Attention creates loyalty. Loyalty creates bandwidth.

This is why Trump so often controls the news cycle. He does not wait for the press to set the agenda. He throws a folding chair into the ring and lets everyone describe the chair. Supporters cheer. Opponents denounce. Journalists fact-check. Foreign governments calculate. Social media clips the moment. The whole system becomes part of the performance.

The internet is unusually well suited to kayfabe. It rewards repetition, exaggeration, conflict, identity, and reaction. It cannot easily distinguish between a threat, a joke, a signal, a bluff, and a performance. Trump exploits that confusion. He turns ambiguity into power.

In this structure, every opponent becomes part of the show. Iran becomes the foreign heel. China becomes the rival empire. Democrats become the corrupt referees. Judges become the rigged officials. The press becomes the hostile announcer. The crowd is invited to believe that only Trump sees the whole script and only Trump can break it.

That is the dangerous part. Kayfabe is not harmless when it governs real power. In wrestling, the violence is staged. In politics, the institutions, markets, militaries, courts, and citizens are real. But the internet processes all of it as spectacle. The same format that sells a pay-per-view can now set the pace of global news.

Trump’s politics are not simply authoritarian. They are promotional. He has learned to make the world respond to the rhythms of a pro-wrestling feud. The call-out becomes the policy. The reaction becomes the proof. The spectacle becomes the state.

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[LHS](https://substack.com/profile/308991122-lhs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268325530 "May 31, 2026, 3:24 PM")

All that was more true when he was in more control of his faculties. But what has happened is his increasing cognitive decline is accentuating his worst qualities. It's not about thinking, exploiting, planning or anything else. It's about the wounds to his ego becoming loud and distorted in his brain and telling him what next crazy statement to make or thing to do. If you watch videos of him being interviewed years ago, he was not an incomprehensible babbler. He had the same ego and same greed, same generalized nasty attitude toward people he did not like, but he knew how to "behave" in civil society to get what he wanted. That veneer is all gone and along with it has gone any sense that he actually has any kind of filter. And it's because of his cognitive decline. I am not just saying that. I am trained to evaluate and diagnose cognitive decline. What Dr. Krugman says is absolutely correct -- we need to understand who is propping him up and why and then do everything we can to prevent another Trump, whether from his family or anywhere else. And, of course, hold everyone accountable.

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[Dana Jackson](https://substack.com/profile/206560742-dana-jackson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268338710 "May 31, 2026, 3:52 PM")

What you said about his former “coherence” was amply demonstrated by à show Chris Matthew’s did in 2015 where Chris replayed interviews he had done with trump since the 1990s thru to 2015. In the early interviews trump at least could form paragraphs that addressed à single topic and had a self-contained coherence. As the interviews marched through the 2000s and 2010s increasing they contained what trump call his weave, i.e., total incoherence highlighted by whining complaints, paranoia and utter nonsense. Overall the fact of the disintegrating mental powers was the obvious conclusion one could discern from the show. I wish there could be a replay of this MSNBC show, but doubt actually that it could be very effective. Except for his various enablers and fellow profiteers we all already know he’s nuts (of course the enablers and profiteers know it as well, but are willing to sacrifice everything and everyone else as long as they can thrive).

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[Brian](https://substack.com/profile/426802916-brian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268436811 "May 31, 2026, 7:43 PM")

Excellent observations. Trump is selling a franchise, and to be associated with him means positive cash flow, or no association with him, and in a high $ take. Imagine 70,000 detained, and price per head in bed. $600/day per detainee? Waiting for a 'call out ' response from Iran so they can both charge a toll in Hormuz, Iran and the Trump family. So, it is not who is 'propping him up', but who is making money. The gig continues until the money stops. And then, those 'propping him up' move on to richer fertile fields. The 'reckoning' 'is not pro-wrestling, so it does not factor in their thinking. Holding accountability in tthis runaway train is not likely. Trump, Musk, Bezos, Open AI, Google, Oligarchs and oil sheiks, a 1.5 Trillion military incentive. There is no righting this ship, not in a comprehensive way.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280508563 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:35 PM")

The alternative will be raging violence or complete Putin acquiescense.

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[Brian](https://substack.com/profile/126788377-brian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280991722 "Jun 22, 2026, 6:52 PM") Edited

I think not. Right now, Trump has learned to turn up the volume: on Fox, on old free Right wing cable TV, on a flurry of bots and paid arguers, on crafters of rabbit holes. Fox is buying Roku to provide free streaming service to the followers. It started with AM radiio. He and his Kayfabe callers only hold a SMALL share of the viewing public, but they are totally captured. So, the limit of the damage is the limit of the share. He who controls the bandwidth controls the world. No shots fired.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268550188 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:54 AM") Edited

According to people who worked on the program, Mr. Trump was already bumbling, fumbling, stumbling, while taping The Apprentice. That the progam still seemed to make sense, was thanks to the miracle called Editing. These workers could not give US voters that truth when needed, because they were muzzled by NDAs.

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[Deb](https://substack.com/profile/45715598-deb?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268828284 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:30 PM")

Yes !!! His NDA’s is his power and he used them since the 70’s. Roy Cohn taught him and then Putin , Epstein etc … all human trash!!!

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268842154 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:56 PM") Edited

NDAs should be declared null and void in cases of people seeking public office.

It is also worrisome how journalists are kept from reporting important facts because the legal department tells them the co. cannot take the risk of an expensive lawsuit. Journalists are supposed to be the fleas in the fur. Anyone's fur.

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[Karen](https://substack.com/profile/193837332-karen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269584183 "Jun 2, 2026, 7:01 PM")

Blech I never watched that idiotic show

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[Carol corbitt](https://substack.com/profile/172811960-carol-corbitt?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270467424 "Jun 4, 2026, 9:24 AM")

Absolutely.

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[Ann H](https://substack.com/profile/285311097-ann-h?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268328809 "May 31, 2026, 3:31 PM")

"He has learned..."

Trump has learned that people react to his outbursts and denouncements, and, because he is emotionally chaotic, he relishes the battles that ensue. But much of what he does is simply instinctive. Two-year-olds don't "learn" that tantrums are effective. They throw tantrums because they have no emotional control. Trump has no emotional control because he is mentally ill, because his immaturity and insecurity are pathological. Others are going to try to imitate Trump to achieve the same result, but because they will be sane, and because they left the tantrums of two-year-olds behind, they are never quite going to be able to duplicate what Trump does. That takes a true lunatic. And there may be some hope for the future in that fact.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330158 "May 31, 2026, 3:33 PM")

What irony.

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[Jim Kahan](https://substack.com/profile/201255789-jim-kahan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268340940 "May 31, 2026, 3:56 PM")

Oceania is at war with Iran. Russia is our ally. Oceania has always been at war with Iran. Russia has always been our ally. War is Peace. Hate is Love. Worst is Best.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268362417 "May 31, 2026, 4:43 PM")

😂

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268321603 "May 31, 2026, 3:15 PM")

Until the show ends. That's when the reckoning begins.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268391727 "May 31, 2026, 5:50 PM")

Unless the show closes out of town. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD43cj4KsqA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CD43cj4KsqA)

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[M. Layfield](https://substack.com/profile/19309274-m-layfield?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268421463 "May 31, 2026, 7:04 PM")

I applaud you for saying the quiet part out loud. Too many are uncomfortable talking about mental illness, and that is a major contributing factor to the shame and stigma associated with it.

Some will stay silent, fearing retribution. Others will speak amongst themselves. And, many of us will wonder if there can be an intervention, after all, so many are focused upon their greed and their blind allegiance. That only fosters the likelihood of a greater profound disruption.

Mental illness is not something to fear. It is something that must be managed. Not treating it is a sure-fire bet that it will consume and catastrophically change the worlds within, and around it.

I totally agree. The MAGA madness has to be crushed. A culling of the wicked must be priority number one. We deserve to have our nation back. It will require a mindset that we are still worthy, and capable of holding those accountable for the wreckage. Going forward we must take nothing for granted. The entire world is watching. They too, have suffered gravely.

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[Rebecca Lowe](https://substack.com/profile/13850771-rebecca-lowe?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268335213 "May 31, 2026, 3:44 PM")

I am currently reading “Ringmaster: Vince McMahon and the Unmaking of America”. So now I know what you're talking about. Trump is in the book, of course. He was really into it!

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[Carlos De Leon](https://substack.com/profile/109944744-carlos-de-leon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268543076 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:22 AM")

Trump is President Camacho from Idiocracy.

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[Nancy Keet](https://substack.com/profile/28712658-nancy-keet?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268353134 "May 31, 2026, 4:23 PM")

Your comment is so on the mark.

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[Ricardo Stone](https://substack.com/profile/116376480-ricardo-stone?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268337405 "May 31, 2026, 3:49 PM")

A very good analysis

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280506947 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:30 PM")

It makes me want to puke.

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[donnab](https://substack.com/profile/795862-donnab?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 6](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/271782786 "Jun 6, 2026, 4:03 PM")

Trump rules as a mafia don. He runs a criminal empire with his kids and sycophants making buckets of money.

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[donnab](https://substack.com/profile/795862-donnab?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 6](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/271752730 "Jun 6, 2026, 2:55 PM")

Trump rules as a mafia don. He runs a criminal empire with his kids and sycophants making buckets of money.

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[donnab](https://substack.com/profile/795862-donnab?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 6](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/271752708 "Jun 6, 2026, 2:55 PM")

Trump rules as a mafia don. He runs a criminal empire with his kids and sycophants making buckets of money.

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[Nancy Lent Lanoue](https://substack.com/profile/99056146-nancy-lent-lanoue?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269218342 "Jun 2, 2026, 7:19 AM")

Thank you, Brian for introducing me to the term “kayfabe”. Your comparison of rump’s pattern of dictatorship is “right on”! I think the decades-old pattern of his obscure and confusing “script” also hides his ignorance. His evil handlers have put a fine point on it by manipulating him.

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[Brian](https://substack.com/profile/426802916-brian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269367417 "Jun 2, 2026, 12:02 PM")

Yes. Kayfabe was new to me, because unlike my brother, I never was interested in fake wrestling. His role as heel, the fact that we understand 'it is fiction' when it is not, is key to his 10 year old on 31%+ of his voting devotees, who see in his presentation a TV Land consumable, like old reruns of the Apprentice.

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[CoPundit](https://substack.com/profile/437127571-copundit?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316826 "May 31, 2026, 3:05 PM")

I would say it’s going to take several constitutional amendments, but more urgently we need to reform the Supreme Court. Because, as we have seen, the words of the Constitution mean nothing to a Court that is willing to say that up is down, black is white, and corporations are people.

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[Jean](https://substack.com/profile/325636772-jean?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268322201 "May 31, 2026, 3:17 PM")

And taking millions in gifts is ethical and all good...

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[CLS](https://substack.com/profile/25589505-cls?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268339241 "May 31, 2026, 3:53 PM")

And making the President basically a king!

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[George Hicks](https://substack.com/profile/201564281-george-hicks?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268637571 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:28 AM")

Race discrimination disguised successfully as political partisanship is beyond the reach of current law and may even be protected by the constitution. Everyone gets one vote (whether it counts if not) but the new aristocracy of wealth can buy unlimited “free speech.”

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[Barbara](https://substack.com/profile/302563028-barbara?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268333084 "May 31, 2026, 3:40 PM")

In many cases, we only need new laws that supersede bad SCOTUS decisions like Citizens United and the recent decision on presidential immunity. They are much easier to pass than constitutional amendments.

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[Mary R. Frank](https://substack.com/profile/12158442-mary-r-frank?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268341448 "May 31, 2026, 3:57 PM")

Amendments are not as easily passed nor as easily overturned. We're going to do a lot of "quick fixes" with laws, but we also must solidify the changes that are really critical to protecting democracy, and that requires amendments. We have so much to restore after he is out. I only hope we don't do just the quick fixes and then have to deal with this crap again a few years down the line. The people on the other side are like zombies who can be temporarily pushed aside but then just get up again and keep coming after us. We must never allow our vigilance to fade again. Democracy requires constant and diligent attention and guarding.

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[Barbara](https://substack.com/profile/302563028-barbara?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268351661 "May 31, 2026, 4:19 PM")

Perhaps we need a combination of what you call "quick fixes" and a shoring up of the Constitution. I am a practical person, so I recommend amending the law before we try to amend the Constitution because it is easier to achieve and we need to act quickly to stave off similar attacks on our political system, especially against voting rights.

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[CoPundit](https://substack.com/profile/437127571-copundit?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268903128 "Jun 1, 2026, 3:52 PM")

That’s true, BUT laws (statutes) are always subject to being ruled unconstitutional. If they are sufficiently clear and based on solid congressional authority, the SCOTUS may be too embarrassed to nullify them on some ridiculous pretext. But look what they just did with the Voting Rights Act. This current court has a very high threshold of embarrassment.

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[Laura](https://substack.com/profile/315048227-laura?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268641220 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:37 AM")

Right. Getting ready to hear that one black person is 3/5 human.

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[George Hicks](https://substack.com/profile/201564281-george-hicks?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268635257 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:21 AM")

Congressional stooges want to stay in power snd billionaires want de-regulation, low taxes and in-on-the-scam, low-income MAGA voters love the racism and humbling of Dems, and the “new meritocracy dupes aspire to become one-percenters, but just what is it that Alito and Roberts and Thomas (the poster-child for DEI) think they are getting? The courts will soon be Trump’s avowed Enemy Number One, and he has demonstrated he would/will come after them if/whenever he thinks it possible.

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[EcstaticRationalist](https://substack.com/profile/14060038-ecstaticrationalist?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268317477 "May 31, 2026, 3:07 PM")

We will need a truth commission, (NOT a reconciliation committee) and we will need to put guard rails in place that ensure this sort of travesty never occurs again.

Thanks for your courage in posting what is obvious, but so many look away from or are afraid to say.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268393227 "May 31, 2026, 5:53 PM")

Don't use the word "truth." In my experience, those that do are pushing falsehoods (like Trump's "Truth Social").

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[dyanamo](https://substack.com/profile/1152950-dyanamo?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270042380 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:02 PM")

I disagree. Reclaim that word and insist that there indeed are facts.

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[Fred C. Dobbs](https://substack.com/profile/48925387-fred-c-dobbs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316745 "May 31, 2026, 3:05 PM")

The big problem with American democracy is that many have abandoned our core values: honesty, responsibility and kindness. Without those you really can't have democracy and way too many of our politicians are oh-for-three: they brazenly lie, cheat, steal and act in bad faith; they sidestep responsibility and don't do the jobs they were elected/appointed to; and they have no compassion for others---not even people on their own "side". The voters have much to answer for in supporting such politicians and as long as they keep putting these hollow people into power things are going to stay very bad.

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[Doug Fay](https://substack.com/profile/81715478-doug-fay?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268367840 "May 31, 2026, 4:56 PM")

Yes! But how can that be accomplished? My guess is that it has to be rooted in improved K-12 education, and that will depend on a lot of other things, including raising people out of poverty, providing a better homelife, ... etc.

But no matter what, it will take a long time, so let's get started on it ASAP.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268394901 "May 31, 2026, 5:57 PM")

If you start working on education, you first need to tackle the problem of private schools and home schooling. When I was a boy, private schools existed to avoid laws about things like corporal punishment for students. Twenty years ago, it became a means of getting around racial integration. Now, it's avoiding anything that one group of parents dislikes. Home schooling can get really into the weeds.

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[Doug Fay](https://substack.com/profile/81715478-doug-fay?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269004417 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:28 PM")

Yes, that makes a lot of sense. I didn't realize it was a big enough problem to worry about, but maybe it is - ???

When I was a kid (over half a century ago), parents who could afford it sent their kids to private schools for one of two reasons: (1) for the prestige of the parents, by showing they could afford it, and (2) their kid wasn't exactly academically minded, and they hoped the private school would help improve it or hide it :-)

The public education I received was top-notch. I suspect it was because 10 years after WWII, there were a lot of highly-qualified, intelligent and motivated women who wanted to work, and their opportunities were limited (e.g., nursing or teaching). So I got the benefit of that. That's another of today's educational problems that needs to be addressed: getting more highly-qualified, intelligent and motivated teachers.

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[vernon huffer](https://substack.com/profile/171691090-vernon-huffer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268453468 "May 31, 2026, 8:26 PM")

If parents want private education for their kids, have it after school or on weekends. I got corporal punishment without due process. I recently got a traffic fine again without due process.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269013551 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:51 PM")

Interesting. I've never been involved in a traffic charge in which I wasn't allowed to contest the charge in court. I've always had due process available there, if I chose to fight the charge. As for corporal punishment - does this constitute loss of life, liberty, or property? None of the cases in which I got spanked constituted that; merely a little pain.

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[dyanamo](https://substack.com/profile/1152950-dyanamo?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270043390 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:04 PM")

Democrats must put reforming our education system very high on the todo list. Not just throw more $$ at it..reform it.

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[Barbara Case](https://substack.com/profile/35921818-barbara-case?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268750440 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:14 AM")

We are a Constitutional Republic. What a bunch of goobers!

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[Doug Fay](https://substack.com/profile/81715478-doug-fay?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270062272 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:39 PM")

Yes, but just to help me understand your point, do you agree we are also a representative democracy, or...?

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[Barbara Case](https://substack.com/profile/35921818-barbara-case?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270067022 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:48 PM")

There is a huge difference between a democracy and a Constitutional Republic. We vote representatives in to do our will. They obviously are not doing that, but with that being said a democracy is mob rule.

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[Doug Fay](https://substack.com/profile/81715478-doug-fay?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270595260 "Jun 4, 2026, 1:08 PM")

A representative democracy, as opposed to a direct democracy

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[No Lastname](https://substack.com/profile/7057001-no-lastname?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 15](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/276847239 "Jun 15, 2026, 2:15 PM")

We use a “democratic”\[ majority rule\] form of elections to decide Representatives who are supposed to represent our values and best interests….

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[Kathy Isaacs](https://substack.com/profile/7630316-kathy-isaacs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268315406 "May 31, 2026, 3:02 PM")

Thank you for providing a transcript.

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[KMD](https://substack.com/profile/9507287-kmd?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314147 "May 31, 2026, 3:00 PM")

A very important substack today. Thank you.

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[Abandoned Afghan Ally](https://substack.com/profile/385685446-abandoned-afghan-ally?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314913 "May 31, 2026, 3:01 PM")

Paul Krugman is right that Washington has a big nightmare and confusion right now. While politicians and the Supreme Court fight about rules and Trump writes strange things on Truth Social about being bigger than Elvis, our situation in Afghanistan is getting worse every second. We risked everything and put our families in big danger because we believed American words have power. Now we are left behind in a dark place and cannot live normally, but American leaders only care about internet fights and political dramas. Washington needs to stop this deMAGAfication talk or money fights and focus on real human lives. They must help their loyal Afghan allies before it is too late for all of us.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318049 "May 31, 2026, 3:08 PM")

I understand your frustration, but the "deMAGAfication talk" is critical to accomplishing what you want. As long as MAGA holds power, you'll continue to be stuck over there.

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[Lisa Hirsch](https://substack.com/profile/539386-lisa-hirsch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314800 "May 31, 2026, 3:01 PM")

I hate to be so pessimistic, but I think that we can tell how well this will go from efforts to neutralize the Confederacy and its beliefs after the Civil War: Reconstruction was completely defanged. The southern stages will lead in preserving MAGA, too.

Not to mention, de-Nazification wasn't nearly as effective as we'd like to think. The first chapters of Tony Judt's "Postwar" cover this.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319988 "May 31, 2026, 3:12 PM")

We need to learn from the Union's mistake. They failed to drive the message home to Confederates that they lost the war, and gave them room to rise to power politically.

It's imperative that we avoid making that same mistake. We have to utterly defeat them, and then build from there.

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[meh](https://substack.com/profile/23339577-meh?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268321412 "May 31, 2026, 3:15 PM")

This time, it needs to be unflinching, and needs to make clear that certain types of behavior are sufficiently outside the pale to merit the severest opprobrium and sanctions possible.

After the civil war, people who wore the grey were suffered to live and hold political power. We should not make that mistake again, and instead hold Nuremberg as our example.

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[Paul Olmsted](https://substack.com/profile/130652314-paul-olmsted?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327130 "May 31, 2026, 3:27 PM")

We are closer to 1789 France than

1865 United States .

We won’t resort to the guilotene

\- but it’s going to take more than a slap on the wrist to purge MAGA .

If DJT issues a blanket pardon to himself and his co-conspirators

it must be nullified .

The Revolution will not be televised -

\- on MSM -

It’s already begun -

Nothing says “ Let them eat cake “

like a $250 bill with DJT ‘s pic on it .

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[ConnieW](https://substack.com/profile/317661372-conniew?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268398279 "May 31, 2026, 6:05 PM")

I don’t want to give up on the guillotine.

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[Paul Olmsted](https://substack.com/profile/130652314-paul-olmsted?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268724233 "Jun 1, 2026, 10:28 AM")

Connie W ,

Marie Antoinette would be head over heels for your comment .

DJT would be out of his head about it .

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[Lyn's Eyes](https://substack.com/profile/210749474-lyns-eyes?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268600484 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:26 AM")

I heard that. Their last meal should be dessert.

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[LHS](https://substack.com/profile/308991122-lhs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268332855 "May 31, 2026, 3:39 PM")

You might be amused to read what the Chinese are thinking about that "250" bill. 😊 [https://xcancel.com/KaiserKuo/status/2060020243712417948#m](https://xcancel.com/KaiserKuo/status/2060020243712417948#m) If that does not work for you, change x.cancel to [x.com](http://x.com/). [Xcancel.com](http://xcancel.com/) mirrors [X.com](http://x.com/), without sending the traffic to X.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268328797 "May 31, 2026, 3:31 PM")

Right. That's why I say we need to utterly defeat them. Even if we don't resort to the guillotine.

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[CLS](https://substack.com/profile/25589505-cls?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268341121 "May 31, 2026, 3:57 PM")

I believe the assassination of President Lincoln played a role in this as well. Andrew Johnson was no Lincoln.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268362751 "May 31, 2026, 4:44 PM")

That's the understatement of the week.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268397569 "May 31, 2026, 6:04 PM")

You are bang-on about de-Nazification. The allied occupiers in many areas discovered that the only skilled administrators were former Nazis.

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[vernon huffer](https://substack.com/profile/171691090-vernon-huffer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268457906 "May 31, 2026, 8:38 PM")

We were lucky to find Conrad Adanaur. Many legilators, who had said Hitler did not like were the first to die at Dacau.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268396464 "May 31, 2026, 6:01 PM")

Reconstruction was defanged by Lincoln's assassination, the fact that his vice-president (Johnson) was a Southerner, and the fact that Johnson's impeachment trial failed by one vote.

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[Ann Anderson Evans](https://substack.com/profile/310671959-ann-anderson-evans?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319882 "May 31, 2026, 3:12 PM")

It started with the pardon of Nixon, which should never have happened, especially by a man who was not elected to his office, Gerald Ford. I was appalled at the time but thought it would pass, but it has not passed; the protection of highly placed criminals just got worse thereafter.

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268333074 "May 31, 2026, 3:40 PM")

I was only 13 when that Nixon pardon happened, and I knew it was a horrible idea and would probably embolden other presidents to break the law. A lot of people, me included, believed that Ford & Nixon had a deal at the time Ford was selected for VP, that when the bleep hit the fan, Nixon would get a "blanket pardon." It was probably the reason Carter won in 1976. Even my father, a Nixon supporter going back to 1952, was angry about the pardon.

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[S. Carolyn Darity](https://substack.com/profile/44004169-s-carolyn-darity?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318169 "May 31, 2026, 3:08 PM")

Paul, if everyone knows tRump is mentally ill, at least 30% of Americans would argue the point. It’s insane to know that billionaires, SCOTUS and the Republican Party supported and continue to support this man.

I just read that Thiel is moving his family to Venezuela. Make of that what you will, but is Theil afraid of the coming backlash? His project is the cornerstone of ICE. His ideology is horrendous.

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[LHS](https://substack.com/profile/308991122-lhs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327770 "May 31, 2026, 3:28 PM")

I think it's Argentina. Someone on Substack (can't remember who) noted that Argentina is where a bunch of Nazis hid out after WW II.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268329348 "May 31, 2026, 3:32 PM")

He'll be right in his element there.

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268336529 "May 31, 2026, 3:47 PM")

I've always read and heard that Argentina is the "most European" of all S. American countries, in that a lot of white people from various European countries live there. And isn't that where Mengele was when he died? It is indeed true that many Nazis ended up there (the ones who weren't scientists - the scientists were brought into the US through "Operation Paperclip" and the Soviets took their share of Nazi scientists, too, to facilitate nuclear missile building and rockets for space exploration).

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[Michael David Flynn](https://substack.com/profile/28573879-michael-david-flynn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268344028 "May 31, 2026, 4:03 PM")

Thiel stated that the move to Buenos Aires was largely to remove himself and his family from the effects of nuclear war. He’s actually conceding that the autocrats he supported all the way to the White House could trigger WWIII.

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268346564 "May 31, 2026, 4:09 PM")

It's hard to believe nuclear bomb detonation (if used in the Western Hemisphere) wouldn't affect Argentina. Even that old movie "On the Beach" from 1959 postulated that lethal fallout from WW3 would even take out the population of Australia. Thiel seems to be a very, very strange, evil, mentally ill man. He probably has other reasons for going to Argentina, but we might never know what they are.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268402943 "May 31, 2026, 6:17 PM")

The coriolis effect makes winds in the northern hemisphere move north from the equator and then transition basically to a northeastern flow. If we assume the explosions would be in the United States, Argentina should be pretty safe from fallout.

A lot depends on how how the bombs are detonated. The largest bombs used by Russia would wipe out much of New England if detonated near ground level in Manhattan. The effects of a detonation at 15,000 feet would produce much less fallout.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280529377 "Jun 22, 2026, 12:57 AM")

Yes, many Nazis fled to and were accepted in to Argentina.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268398564 "May 31, 2026, 6:06 PM")

That someone is absolutely correct.

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[S. Carolyn Darity](https://substack.com/profile/44004169-s-carolyn-darity?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268329823 "May 31, 2026, 3:33 PM")

Let me clarify. Thiel bought a mansion in Buenos Aires Argentina and property in Uruguay. Thanks for chiming in and correcting me!

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[Aghast In Amurka](https://substack.com/profile/316464110-aghast-in-amurka?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268335353 "May 31, 2026, 3:45 PM")

Yes, for sometime I held hope that the greed at the top would at least protect the market, and corporate owners and banks would remember that if everyone is Depression poor there would be no one to buy their shyte. Wrong. They dont care. They have other ways to make money from money and their corporations only remain to bury costs and fake losses thereby dodging taxes and employment. The visible and invisable hands of the holy market are numb from leprosy.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268404627 "May 31, 2026, 6:21 PM")

The people with money lived pretty well during the Great Depression. You could even do decently if you had a steady job. My grandfather was a college professor and made out decently.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280530118 "Jun 22, 2026, 1:00 AM")

But we must remember the war helped America come out of that wrecked economy and, of course, FDR's plan that put people to work.

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[Aghast In Amurka](https://substack.com/profile/316464110-aghast-in-amurka?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268469396 "May 31, 2026, 9:10 PM")

And its too bad abundant jobs are not the conditions this time.

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[vernon huffer](https://substack.com/profile/171691090-vernon-huffer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268461024 "May 31, 2026, 8:46 PM")

Prices were low. About 3% of what prices are now.

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[Rob](https://substack.com/profile/41056256-rob?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268641677 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:39 AM")

Good riddance to the ghoul Thiel.

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[Biro](https://substack.com/profile/43132350-biro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268333524 "May 31, 2026, 3:41 PM")

Similarly, quite a few American billionaires have purchased “vacation homes” in New Zealand over the past decade or so. In reality, they have found a place to run when either the great backlash begins or U.S. society collapses.

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268405223 "May 31, 2026, 6:22 PM")

Maybe Bezos' yacht is simply meant give him escape transportation?

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[CLS](https://substack.com/profile/25589505-cls?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268342490 "May 31, 2026, 4:00 PM")

I wish NZ would lower the boom on them.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268552450 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:04 AM")

Rich people are welcome anywhere in the world.

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[CLS](https://substack.com/profile/25589505-cls?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268698082 "Jun 1, 2026, 9:41 AM")

Agreed... but a lot of those fleeing to NZ are rich sociopaths who are destroying America, not just people who have money.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268325586 "May 31, 2026, 3:24 PM")

He knows we all loath him. He knows he's loathsome.

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[Brian whatever....](https://substack.com/profile/42473035-brian-whatever?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268326228 "May 31, 2026, 3:25 PM")

Thiel is moving to Argentina...

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[progwoman](https://substack.com/profile/608408-progwoman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268346186 "May 31, 2026, 4:08 PM")

Fact? Certainly he must admire their history.

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[Lyn's Eyes](https://substack.com/profile/210749474-lyns-eyes?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268599697 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:23 AM")

Loathsome Rhodes.

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[David McDonell](https://substack.com/profile/48533558-david-mcdonell?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314064 "May 31, 2026, 3:00 PM")

Absolutely spot on, hammer on the head post! 🙏👏👊✌️

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[Richard House](https://substack.com/profile/1091923-richard-house?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268321121 "May 31, 2026, 3:14 PM")

Succinctly and well stated. No one who empowered Trump whether by endorsement, funding, sane washing or any other form of normalization should ever be permitted to be seriously considered again. Anticipating his downfall, his normalizers in the media are already talking about transition and hoping the pendulum doesn’t swing too far in the other direction. The instant response of the corporate media and their beltway champions will be let’s restore our broken institutions “move and look forward” and forgive and forget. We cannot let that happen. We know it happened after the Civil War and it’s why we are where we are.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280530587 "Jun 22, 2026, 1:02 AM")

Yep, "tough love" has got to be employed. These fools have to feel the pain of their greed and stupidity.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316168 "May 31, 2026, 3:04 PM")

"He's more mature than in his first term". Yeah, he's older and more demented.

This is a great reminder of the imperative that we continue to Rise! Resist! ✊✊✊

It begins with One Big Beautiful Blue Tsunami! 🌊

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[George Patterson](https://substack.com/profile/35450922-george-patterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268405909 "May 31, 2026, 6:24 PM")

"Mature" - as in a cheese that's gone rancid.

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[Tony Heath](https://substack.com/profile/122582457-tony-heath?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268352813 "May 31, 2026, 4:22 PM")

Dear Paul: I thank you from the bottom of my heart for having the hutzpah to speak the absolute and unequivocal truth, what so many of us have known for more than a decade, and much longer if, like you and I, they shared our early years close to each other in Manhattan. I honestly don't know what, especially the Republicans and the Supreme Court? are thinking. If karma and sin are real, well a lot Americans will one day have a day of reckoning. Despite what may be a cultural renaissance, we are instead digging our children's graves. At 74, I am simply without understanding of this uncanny conundrum. Thank you so much for your tireless reporting, my go-to source for the truth. God bless you man!

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[Lynne D. Feldman](https://substack.com/profile/1886128-lynne-d-feldman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319098 "May 31, 2026, 3:10 PM")

Yes. DeMAGAfy, de-billionaire, revise SCOTUS to obey ethical principles, de-HeritageFoundation, deLeonardLeo, de-MurdochMedia, take the Big $$$ out of campaigns. Canada does a great job with elections. Restore empathy, the feminine energy of compassion and mercy. Even the way the 2 parties used to have candidates pay their dues on local elections first, the state, then deciding whether they could make it at the federal level. By then the political community knows if the candidate is craycray or not. Have the Goldwater Rule rescinded. We will have our hands full exterminating the infestation of psychopaths, grifters, anti-democratic, pro-Putin, money hungry looters.

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268324717 "May 31, 2026, 3:22 PM")

Goldwater Rule is not a law - it's up to the psychiatric profession to deal with that so-called "rule."

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[Lynne D. Feldman](https://substack.com/profile/1886128-lynne-d-feldman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330932 "May 31, 2026, 3:35 PM")

I know, but they have been censored by their "obligation" to follow this rule. Best for the APA to announce it no longer gags their members.

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[Lynne D. Feldman](https://substack.com/profile/1886128-lynne-d-feldman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268338799 "May 31, 2026, 3:52 PM")

Here's a comment from Dr. Bandi Lee by the man who wrote the "Goldwater Rule": Indeed, Dyer repeatedly emphasized to me that “the Goldwater rule” was intended to be an affirmative obligation to educate society regarding mental health issues that may surround a public figure, without diagnosing—which, as stated above, is impossible, as tempting as it may be to do so. The article cites how twenty mental health experts wrote to the White House physician, calling on him to act on the dangers and to respond to: “the explicit concerns on the part of 36 renowned medical experts and mental health professionals, now entered into the Congressional Record.”

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[David](https://substack.com/profile/130341824-david?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383948 "May 31, 2026, 5:32 PM")

The commentary is revealing precisely for what it cannot say. Mr Krugman correctly identifies that Trump's elevation was a deliberate project of billionaires and a compliant Supreme Court, and that concentrated wealth is the structural root of the crisis — but having gone that far, he slams on the brakes and retreats into the most politically toothless conclusion imaginable: "vote correctly in the next two elections" and pursue "deMAGAfication." This is the entire horizon of liberal politics, and it is a dead end. Mr Krugman is himself a partisan of the Democratic Party, the very institution whose thirty-year record of serving Wall Street, dismantling the social safety net, waging imperialist wars, and suppressing working-class wages created the material conditions for Trump's mass base.

The Democratic Party is not the antidote to fascism — it is its principal enabler, because it offers the working class nothing but managed decline wrapped in identity politics. The fixation on Trump's psychiatric condition — however theatrically bizarre his Truth Social posts may be — is itself a political evasion: it personalises what is a systemic crisis of American capitalism, implying that a more mentally stable custodian of the same oligarchic order would resolve anything.

This description from the WSWS explained this well: "it is the bankruptcy of American capitalism and the fear of social revolution, not merely Trump's authoritarian personality, that are the source of the frontal assault on democratic rights." Mr Krugman gestures at the structural problem — inequality, concentrated power — but the solution offered is to recycle it back through the same two-party system that produced it, which is no solution at all. The working class needs not a "deMAGAfied" version of capitalist rule, but an independent political movement, armed with a socialist program, aimed at dismantling the entire structure of oligarchic power that Mr Krugman himself admits is the source of the disaster.

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[Michael Roman Hrycyszyn](https://substack.com/profile/322492460-michael-roman-hrycyszyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268352063 "May 31, 2026, 4:20 PM")

The heart of America's problem is that its a marketplace pretending to be a society. Its economy first, culture second, society third. The organising principle is not social solidarity but market logic. In America, even identity is a product. When everything becomes a commodity, the citizen becomes a consumer, not a member of society. And consumers don't owe each other anything. People are encouraged to be self-contained units, not members of a shared social fabric. Such hyper individualism leads to a pervasive loneliness and chronic anxiety. The emotional consequence is not freedom but permanent vigilance. When real connection is scarce, people turn to performance, spectacle, tribal belonging, identity theatre, exaggerated certainty. The performance distracts them from the pain. Secondly, its a vast continent that thinks its a nation-state, but the reality is that is a patchwork of cultural nations, a federation of incompatible world views, competing regions. But Americans struggle to see the root of the problem, because the myth is so strong, the story that you grow up inside that tells you your country is exceptional, your system is the best, your destiny is special. So, instead of examining the structure, you keep looking for scapegoats, enemies, cultural threats, external explanations. You are only seeing the surface symptoms, of which Trump is only the latest and worst manifestation , but not seeing the system that created him, the emotional economy, the cultural machinery, the incentives, the structure, the mythology on which America is based. You are stuck inside a loop, and cant see that the root of the problem is the structure of America itself. America is undergoing a profound identity crisis because now the myth is diverging so far from reality, the horrific reality we are now witnessing before our very eyes.

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[Walt Kowalski](https://substack.com/profile/5566436-walt-kowalski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268496552 "May 31, 2026, 10:29 PM")

BINGO!!

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Comment removed

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269951598 "Jun 3, 2026, 11:25 AM")

_Comment removed_

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[Michael Roman Hrycyszyn](https://substack.com/profile/322492460-michael-roman-hrycyszyn?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270351166 "Jun 4, 2026, 3:47 AM")

I’m not arguing for communism: I’ve seen its consequences up close. My comment was about the internal dynamics of American society: how market logic shapes identity, belonging, and politics. Critique isn’t the same as endorsement.

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[Charlie Harmon](https://substack.com/profile/176061926-charlie-harmon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268325766 "May 31, 2026, 3:24 PM")

DeMAGAfication is the next crisis, thanks for bringing it up. I lived in Germany in the mid-1950s when deNAZIfication was in effect (and wasn't working - you can see that for yourself in Austria today). I'm pretty sure whatever deMAGA procedure we come up with here won't work. People resist, as in psychotherapy when the shrink hits a nerve (a mixed metaphor). We are mentally ill as a nation, if I may generalize. To vote for DJT is a sign of mental distress, no question. Beyond that, DJT makes me ill, personally, beyond any adolescent depressive spell or midlife crisis (of decades past). I'm 75 and am prepared to be off-kilter until my last breath. No plan anymore, only to stay kind and pretty solvent. A new political affilation based on honesty and empathy would be appealing, which sounds like the Boy Scouts, of which I was never a member. Keep me posted.

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[ISOequanimity](https://substack.com/profile/132137677-isoequanimity?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318635 "May 31, 2026, 3:09 PM") Edited

That’s my cue. Apologies for the long post but, until DNC comes up with some ideas, we’re on our own.

Pasted below are suggested planks for November, amended by substack readers. Since there are nearly 50, each state has been randomly assigned one plank to research and provide detailed timelines and budgets for implementation. Restoring democracy will require unprecedented cooperation, like Quincy Jones got when he made “We Are The World.” He posted a sign that applies here: “check your ego at the door.” Or emigrate. Like the celebrities who got rich here but won’t stay and fight.

(BTW, the assignments are random. Who knew AI had a sense of humor?)

1\. Medicare for all, including mental health, dental, and vision. Assign to South Dakota.

2\. Running water for all. Assign to Delaware.

3\. Safe, affordable, adequate housing for all. Assign to Maryland.

4\. Climate change course correction. Assign to Kentucky.

5\. National “Annual Yearly Progress” educational standards that apply to all students: public school, private school, home school. Assign to Washington.

6\. Nutrition and pesticides. There’s a reason why US wheat imports are banned in EU. Assign to Vermont.

7\. Paths to citizenship and statehood. Assign to Minnesota.

8\. Metric system instead of imperial measurements. Every country in the world has made the switch except the US, Liberia, and Myanmar. Assign to Arkansas.

9\. Reading and math literacy. Assign to Iowa.

10\. Maternal and infant survival (US has the worst rates among developed countries). Assign to Hawaii.

11\. Restore DEI. My disability requires electronic communication (email or chat with a transcript) but legal teams don’t like written records. I have to surrender agency and assign a proxy to manage a credit card issue or schedule a mammogram. Disney sent me an email stating that they’re “phones only.” What’s next? Telling guests in wheelchairs to manage the stairs? Assign to Colorado.

12\. Zero tolerance of corruption. Assign to New Hampshire.

13\. Child care. Montessori is Head Start in Italy. It was invented there to lift up disadvantaged children. In the US, we’ve made it a designer brand that’s unaffordable for those who need it most and for whom it was intended. Assign to North Carolina.

14\. Amend the 2nd amendment. Texas has more than 4000 gun deaths per year. FL takes silver with more than 3000. Together, they’re responsible for more than 17% of the 40,000 annual gun deaths in the US. The UK has 28. Not 28,000. Not 2800. 28. Their cops are unarmed. Everyone wins. Assign to Arizona.

15\. FOIA restored without the loopholes. Assign to Oregon.

16\. Enforcement of the laws, regs and court decisions that are on the books but ignored. Assign to Wisconsin.

17\. Abortion rights enshrinement. Assign to Mississippi.

18\. Marriage equality enshrinement. Assign to Florida.

19\. Infrastructure investment. Assign to California.

20\. Internet for all. Assign to Nevada.

21\. We need to stop flushing drinking-quality water. We’re running out. Assign to Illinois.

22\. Return the Black Hills. Assign to Tennessee.

23\. Reparations. Assign to Louisiana.

24\. Livable wages in decent working conditions, ideally in a union environment. Assign to Michigan.

25\. End citizens united. Assign to Connecticut.

26\. Inheritance reform. Assign to Montana.

27\. Enshrine social security. Assign to West Virginia.

28\. Reform SCOTUS and court system. Assign to North Dakota.

29\. Campaign finance reform. Assign to Georgia.

30\. Tax reform. Assign to Alaska.

31\. Commitment to ethical conduct. Assign to New York.

32 Commitment to “truthfulness, transparency, and accountability.” Assign to Ohio.

33\. Texas: Enshrine voting rights. Assign to Texas,

34\. Outlaw NDAs. They were meant to protect secret formulas, not silence the voices of victims. Assign to New Jersey.

35\. Join ICC. Assign to Missouri.

36\. Restore the covenant of “good faith and fair dealing.” Assign to Maine.

37\. Term limits. Public service is not for accumulating power and influence, it’s for serving the people. Assign to Indiana.

38\. Mandatory service to by all citizens reaching 18 for two years in public works, AmeriCorp, National Guard, or other similar organization. Assign to Utah.

39\. Prison reform. Assign to Alabama.

40\. Free college or vocational training. Assign to Virginia.

41\. Eliminate electoral college. Assign to Idaho.

42\. End private equity investment. Assign to Rhode Island.

43.End tipping. It’s out of control and our global neighbors don’t do it. Assign to Pennsylvania.

44\. Issue new SS numbers to each citizen now that ours have been compromised. Assign to Wyoming.

45.Animal Welfare Act. AKC “breed standards” require docked tails and cropped ears for some dogs. The US and Russia are among the only nations where cosmetic mutilation of dogs is legal. Global leaders Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI, France) and The Kennel Club (KC, UK) preserve breed standards without these cruel practices. We can do the same. Assign to Kansas.

46.Regulate contracts signed by—and conditions endured by—pregnancy surrogates. Assign to New Mexico.

47.Oklahoma: Regulate fine art industry to prevent money laundering and tax evasion [naturalist.gallery/blog…](http://naturalist.gallery/blog%E2%80%A6).

48.Other\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Nebraska: Collaborate with SD

Massachusetts: Collaborate with Delaware

South Carolina: Collaborate with Maryland

District of Columbia: Collaborate with Kentucky

American Samoa: Collaborate with Washington

Guam: Collaborate with Vermont

Puerto Rico: Collaborate with Minnesota

Northern Mariana Islands: Collaborate with Arkansas

US Virgin Islands: Collaborate with Iowa

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[Uncle Clusterbuck](https://substack.com/profile/124836744-uncle-clusterbuck?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318959 "May 31, 2026, 3:10 PM")

The stress of his presidency caused by his ridiculous decisions have accelerated his decline. His ego is a front to attempt to hide his weakness.

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[Daniel G](https://substack.com/profile/328639334-daniel-g?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318906 "May 31, 2026, 3:10 PM")

Thanks again for stating the truth. Now how is it possible that Trump still gets 34% approval rate? I mean, egotistical rich people let’s say up to 14%, does that leave 20% of American purely imbeciles?

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268326513 "May 31, 2026, 3:26 PM")

Five southern states voted for 3rd party racist George Wallace in '68. Those who support Trump today are literally and figuratively the descendants of those who voted for Wallace. Look closely at the Old Confederacy states. Very closely. Most of those people never live anywhere else in their whole lives, and NEVER go abroad. They are poorly educated, on the whole, and have been raised to be racist, and to resent the fact "their side" lost the Civil War.

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268403048 "May 31, 2026, 6:17 PM") Edited

Some are not personally racist but are racist only insofar as voting Republican by definition supports racism. Some people vote Republican because they have always voted Republican and are ignorant -- often willfully ignorant -- of what the Republicans have become. If they would educate themselves, some might be horrified by what they support.

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Comment removed

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269953152 "Jun 3, 2026, 11:28 AM")

_Comment removed_

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270070661 "Jun 3, 2026, 2:55 PM") Edited

Your first sentence is accurate. Your second sentence is not, because, about 60 years ago, as a result of Nixon's Southern strategy, the parties changed sides regarding race. You can learn about it from the Wikipedia article titled "Southern strategy."

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327037 "May 31, 2026, 3:27 PM")

Yes.

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[Aghast In Amurka](https://substack.com/profile/316464110-aghast-in-amurka?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268336711 "May 31, 2026, 3:47 PM")

Yes

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[Tony Heath](https://substack.com/profile/122582457-tony-heath?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268465025 "May 31, 2026, 8:57 PM")

Yes, I’m afraid so. Ever heard of “The ugly American” way back in the sixties? Also, I realize that ugly does not mean stupid or do I choose to demean anybody based on looks. You can’t legislate good taste. But America has a long history of anything that sells is good, including Hawaiian shirts, tee shirts with ugly logos and baseball caps.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268553632 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:09 AM")

The Ugly American is a 1958 political novel by Eugene Burdick and William J. Lederer that critiques American foreign policy and diplomacy in Southeast Asia during the Cold War. It should be mandatory reading in high school IMHO.

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Comment removed

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269952311 "Jun 3, 2026, 11:26 AM")

_Comment removed_

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[Daniel G](https://substack.com/profile/328639334-daniel-g?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269956723 "Jun 3, 2026, 11:34 AM")

So you believe that Axios, Drudge and most of US newspapers and TV are leftist propaganda outlets (as well as Paul Krugman, which apparently you read as well…)? What kind of concerned citizen are you? Those concerned with lining their pockets with more money thanks to unfair tax system and insider trading, or just the basic MAGA ignorant? The real question I pointed out here is how is it possible Trump as anywhere above even 29% approval rate, let alone 34%, and now especially after he appointed the most possible incompetent guy to lead intelligence agencies. You have a nice life, “concerned citizen”

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[SA](https://substack.com/profile/401232788-sa?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268317797 "May 31, 2026, 3:07 PM")

MAGA should be classified as a radical terrorist group

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268398141 "May 31, 2026, 6:05 PM") Edited

No. MAGA is not a group. It is like Antifa, which Republicans pretend is a group. MAGA and Antifa are both amorphous conglomerations of people who share some beliefs.

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[SA](https://substack.com/profile/401232788-sa?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268409526 "May 31, 2026, 6:33 PM")

You are correct I was being facetious 😁 I’m so tired of the word Antifa. The shit the Government wants to do to people from other countries that come to vacation in the United States is ridiculous. They want to go through someone’s phone and then categorize them as if they are part of the Antifa … instead of someone who’s displeased with the current situation and path the US has gone down. The richness of propaganda this Republican party dwells on is also BS!

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268555100 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:16 AM")

DHS asks about social media use on the ESTA form that must be completed to use the Visa Waiver Program (if applicable), and also has these quesions on the DS-160 Application for a B-1/2 visa. On the latter answering is mandatory.

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[Laura Beth Loudermilk](https://substack.com/profile/14175766-laura-beth-loudermilk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316749 "May 31, 2026, 3:05 PM")

I nominate you to perform the REAL psychiatric evaluations on all of MAGA

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[karyn barker](https://substack.com/profile/103208335-karyn-barker?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330501 "May 31, 2026, 3:34 PM")

On April 30, 2026 a statement from 36 highly esteemed medical professionals was entered into the Congressional Record (Congressional Record Vol. 172, No. 76). These men and women wanted to go on record and alert anyone who would listen to their professional observations of Trump decline and unfitness for office. They were/are very brave to take such a stand these days. Everyone should read their medical evaluation here:

[https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-172/issue-76/senate-section/article/S2162-1](https://www.congress.gov/congressional-record/volume-172/issue-76/senate-section/article/S2162-1)

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[Cheryl S.](https://substack.com/profile/25777577-cheryl-s?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268320866 "May 31, 2026, 3:14 PM")

And have you seen the Zeteo posting with the 11 horrific videos of the flotilla people who were tortured and raped by laughing Israeli soldiers? They clearly think Americans don't mind. And some candidates are still taking money from AIPAC.

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[meh](https://substack.com/profile/23339577-meh?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268320440 "May 31, 2026, 3:13 PM")

Demagafication needs to have the same outcomes as denazification.

We need to make explicit and unflinching examples of the people who have tried to undermine our democracy, in public, without mercy.

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[Dana Jackson](https://substack.com/profile/206560742-dana-jackson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268376712 "May 31, 2026, 5:16 PM")

I used to be against this kind of going after your political others. But now they are criminal so the gloves should come off. There is a Nuremberg in Pennsylvania. Set up court there.

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[MidwestGal](https://substack.com/profile/122930381-midwestgal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268315653 "May 31, 2026, 3:03 PM") Edited

With the fitzwit, the Oval Office, this is real uphill battle! He’s installed many ass kissers at the helm of many, many, Depts who deal with the issues affecting the average citizens, minorities, and women!

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[UncleCracker](https://substack.com/profile/10409456-unclecracker?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268771848 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:50 AM")

To shorten, Krugman’s TDS is incurable.

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[Vincent Domeraski](https://substack.com/profile/224713334-vincent-domeraski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268830832 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:35 PM")

As is egoism.

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[Louise Goodnight](https://substack.com/profile/320663149-louise-goodnight?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268417719 "May 31, 2026, 6:54 PM")

OMG, Is it.not possible for congress to reign in this demented president? I just celebrated my 100 th birthday. Never in my life have so frightened. T is out of control and a danger to the country as well as our allies. He has committed so many crimes, it’s difficult to prioritize them L. Goodnihht

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[Point Pleasant](https://substack.com/profile/106298154-point-pleasant?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268332399 "May 31, 2026, 3:38 PM")

I am so glad you are saying this so bluntly as a clinician listening to Donald. He gets more dangerous as he feels cornered and his paranoia takes control of his thinking. Thank you. 🙏🏽

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[Richard Friedman](https://substack.com/profile/16379926-richard-friedman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327951 "May 31, 2026, 3:29 PM")

Nothing short of new constitution will fix this mess. Pretending otherwise is delusional.

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[Stephen Burg](https://substack.com/profile/83270656-stephen-burg?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327767 "May 31, 2026, 3:28 PM")

The United States is finished.

It isn't just Trump. I'd love to be wrong, but I don't see much evidence of it.

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[Ron Bravenec](https://substack.com/profile/9444418-ron-bravenec?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319648 "May 31, 2026, 3:11 PM")

Totally agree, Paul. My major concern is whether Trump et al. will allow Democrats to take back power.

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[Winston Smith London Oceania](https://substack.com/profile/308852488-winston-smith-london-oceania?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268325213 "May 31, 2026, 3:23 PM")

Well if he doesn't, then we'll just have to force him to, won't we?

One Big Beautiful Blue Tsunami! 🌊

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[LHS](https://substack.com/profile/308991122-lhs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268327403 "May 31, 2026, 3:28 PM")

And if they do take back power, will they simply want to pretend that "the system worked" and we can all just forget about that horrible stuff. I hope they do not do that, but that is my greatest fear -- them saying "All good now. Onward".

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[Michael Shapiro](https://substack.com/profile/69537131-michael-shapiro?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268318524 "May 31, 2026, 3:09 PM")

You know, I place some of the blame for this on Obama. His failure to prosecute war criminals in the previous administration set the course: we can have torture administrations and non-torture administrations. And if you participate in committing war crimes, well, that's okay. Nothing will happen to you. We really need a lot of people to go to jail for aiding and abetting the crimes of this administration. And if they do, well, maybe people will be a little more reluctant to aid and abet the next time around.

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[Al Lewis](https://substack.com/profile/7543165-al-lewis?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268317970 "May 31, 2026, 3:08 PM") Edited

And he's wrong about Elvis. In the early days, he played the guitar but for most of his career he was backed by the Jordanaires or other studio musicians, using his guitar either as a prop or not at all.

I realize that's not supposed to be the takeaway but even so, yet one more thing he can't get straight.

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[LHS](https://substack.com/profile/308991122-lhs?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268328041 "May 31, 2026, 3:29 PM")

He actually referred to himself as the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in that post. 🤦‍♀️

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[Kathy Hammes](https://substack.com/profile/95589061-kathy-hammes?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268363395 "May 31, 2026, 4:46 PM")

Delusions of grandeur yet again….

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[John Murray Davis](https://substack.com/profile/58262379-john-murray-davis?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268795027 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:31 PM")

There are so many sheep and useful idiots that support this guy on this substack.

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[Dan G](https://substack.com/profile/89483497-dan-g?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268782973 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:09 PM")

You are a clown. Find a circus Paul.

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[Dale M](https://substack.com/profile/25940132-dale-m?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268781066 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:06 PM")

Peak TDS.

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[Mark5610](https://substack.com/profile/73769006-mark5610?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268775931 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:57 AM")

Trump Derangement Syndrome continues.

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[Matthew](https://substack.com/profile/263117804-matthew?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268775261 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:56 AM")

Curious if you wrote an article on Biden's mental decline? I would like to read it as well.

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[Samuel](https://substack.com/profile/40631854-samuel?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268773478 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:53 AM")

This man speaks like a bolshevik.

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[James Mazzarelli](https://substack.com/profile/22155287-james-mazzarelli?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268772783 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:52 AM")

You really are a dope, and not even a first class one.

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[JeffC](https://substack.com/profile/34131452-jeffc?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268766806 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:42 AM")

Read your rant this morning for a good laugh. Clown central

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[Vincent Domeraski](https://substack.com/profile/224713334-vincent-domeraski?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268830234 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:34 PM")

All the way to the bank?

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[Peter Matthews](https://substack.com/profile/166394948-peter-matthews?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268389106 "May 31, 2026, 5:44 PM")

It's a bit disappointing, but not surprising, to hear the "What about Joe Biden?" comments. Yes, he became too old for the demands of the job and had a terrible debate but, if you look at performance issues, his inadequacies are not comparable to DJT's bizarre tariffs, destruction of the White House, and initiation of an unwinnable "excursion" in Iran. There are systems in place to deal with him, i.e., impeachment, 25th amendment. The problem is the callow politicians who will not do their jobs and the voters who do not insist they do so.

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[Tod](https://substack.com/profile/506599791-tod?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268356576 "May 31, 2026, 4:30 PM")

Absolute derangement.

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[Charles Johnson](https://substack.com/profile/12908474-charles-johnson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268344306 "May 31, 2026, 4:04 PM")

Why is the military still following his unconstitutional orders? That should be the first change.

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[Lori R.](https://substack.com/profile/122562165-lori-r?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268334540 "May 31, 2026, 3:43 PM") Edited

I was naive to think that we had gotten rid of Trump after the 2020 election, although I realized that the conditions which made Trump possible needed correction. Trump term 2, unchecked and mentally unbalanced, is an ongoing nightmare that I could never have imagined. So yes, we urgently need to defang Trump, but as you have said, Dr. Krugman, without aggressive "deMagnafication" of this nation, we will produce another like him.

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[Donald Price](https://substack.com/profile/53864220-donald-price?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330042 "May 31, 2026, 3:33 PM")

You are so skillful at putting my thoughts into words.

I shudder to think how much more damage Trump will do in the time he has left.

Trump can BS his way out of his F up in Iran and he will freak out when the whole world mocks him for getting a worst deal than that black man, Obama! Meanwhile we are out of air defenses to provide to Ukraine because the incompetent idiot in the Pentagon shot them all up for nothing in Iran.

Likely he will take his frustration out on Cuba (thanks Marco!) and then Greenland.

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[Bames Jond](https://substack.com/profile/507057910-bames-jond?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268322423 "May 31, 2026, 3:17 PM")

Okay, now Trump speaks of himself in third person. That's not good news.

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[Anne Hammond-Meyer](https://substack.com/profile/2870541-anne-hammond-meyer?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268321306 "May 31, 2026, 3:15 PM")

If we wait to the election it could be too late. Imagine the response he will make to a midterm loss. If performance artists cause a narcissist injury if this level imagine the fury that’s coming. He has the nuclear arsenal. Terrifying.

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[Scott Helmers](https://substack.com/profile/26628540-scott-helmers?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316241 "May 31, 2026, 3:04 PM")

Absolutely. I have long agreed with just that hope and plan. Unfortunately, only a Democratic landslide would enable what we so urgently need.

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[Ralph](https://substack.com/profile/14195025-ralph?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268314232 "May 31, 2026, 3:00 PM")

Do you actually believe that the Democrats are any better than Republicans? They have done nothing to stop this madness.

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[Newcavendish](https://substack.com/profile/1979523-newcavendish?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319380 "May 31, 2026, 3:11 PM")

This kind of nihilistic pessimism is a big part of the problem. The Democrats have lots of problems, among them ideological and generational divisions, but they have clear directional values that are opposite to the directional values of the Republicans (whose values are dictated by the Kochs and their ilk), not to mention the MAGAs (whose values derive from ludic cruelty and the joy of hatred). The Democrats have done all they can to "stop this madness"; alas, they are out of power and don't have the tools to do more. What, specifically, should they be doing, realistically, that they could do to that end?

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[Ralph](https://substack.com/profile/14195025-ralph?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268320428 "May 31, 2026, 3:13 PM")

The Democrats abandoned the people decades ago. Go VBNMW

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[hw](https://substack.com/profile/553846-hw?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268325429 "May 31, 2026, 3:24 PM")

There are handfuls of decent Democratics, but so may are cowards, corporatists, or complicit.

Sherril in NJ sending the police to reinforce ICE as protesters desperately seek to help the prisoners of a major concentration camp.

Spanberger vetoing a string of legislation from legalizing marijuana to voting AGAINST legislation to stop voter purges.

We have weak Democrats and a largely clueless base, few of whom take individual or collective action to stem the madness and degeneracy.

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[Ralph](https://substack.com/profile/14195025-ralph?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268326152 "May 31, 2026, 3:25 PM")

I rest my case.

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[SA](https://substack.com/profile/401232788-sa?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268319124 "May 31, 2026, 3:10 PM")

In your country democrats do not hold the power Republicans do. THEY should have the scruples to put back checks and balances into the rule of law.

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[Katherine M.](https://substack.com/profile/18244547-katherine-m?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268328523 "May 31, 2026, 3:30 PM")

No shit! And they need to cut the damn lectures! Garbage candidates that are in the pockets of big tech and corporations will once again do the bare minimum. They deserve at least half the blame for this mess!

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[Claire Elder](https://substack.com/profile/189937359-claire-elder?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331833 "May 31, 2026, 3:37 PM")

This has been carefully planned for years, systematically put together by the Heritage Foundation (reference project 2025), and carried out by their leaders of choice. We could talk also about the massive funding behind this.

It doesn't appear Democrats were prepared for anything like this and were completely overwhelmed. They're having a rude awakening, as are some MAGA.

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[Ralph](https://substack.com/profile/14195025-ralph?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268332336 "May 31, 2026, 3:38 PM")

Too bad the Democrats were asleep at the wheel. The rest of us are suffering not them

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268557210 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:25 AM")

As asleep as they were in 2005/06.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268939745 "Jun 1, 2026, 5:05 PM")

I always hope so. Maybe we apply higher standards to Democrats than to Relublicans, and thus are more often disappointed in them? Just wondering about that. I was taken aback when I realized how anti-immigrant Democrats were, with the exception of Ms. Pelosi's son-in-law of course.

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[Jed Clampett](https://substack.com/profile/232835044-jed-clampett?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269658245 "Jun 2, 2026, 10:13 PM")

I remember you.

Paul Krugman famously predicted in a 1998 Red Herring essay that the Internet’s economic impact would be no greater than the fax machine's by 2005. He argued that network growth would falter because "most people have nothing to say to each other," and that the "information economy" would sound silly within a decade.

Today you sound silly. Anyone following this clown must love watching a guy humiliate himself over and over again.

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[David Stichter](https://substack.com/profile/32020097-david-stichter?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269502024 "Jun 2, 2026, 4:09 PM")

You might want to read this Paul... [https://www.sashastone.com/p/an-open-letter-to-paul-krugman](https://www.sashastone.com/p/an-open-letter-to-paul-krugman)

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[Bill](https://substack.com/profile/73053814-bill?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268777271 "Jun 1, 2026, 11:59 AM")

Looking for that video of Dementia Joe that you posted.

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[Robert m](https://substack.com/profile/239494761-robert-m?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268480361 "May 31, 2026, 9:40 PM")

Sound is not coming through.

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[George Torres](https://substack.com/profile/23583343-george-torres?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268474588 "May 31, 2026, 9:24 PM")

Don't forget the voters. They put him in office - 65 million in 2016, 77 million in 2024.

"Now more than ever before, the people are responsible for the character of their Congress.

If that body be ignorant, reckless, and corrupt, it is because the people tolerate ignorance, recklessness, and corruption.

If it be intelligent, brave, and pure, it is because the people demand these high qualities to represent them in the national legislature ...

If the next centennial does not find us a great nation ... it will be because those who represent the enterprise, the culture, and the morality of the nation do not aid in controlling the political forces."

\- Congressman James Garfield, 20th President of the U.S., July 4, 1876

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[Jonathan Gordon](https://substack.com/profile/608859-jonathan-gordon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268445344 "May 31, 2026, 8:05 PM")

Trump is ,and has always been, a sociopathic malignant narcissist. However, as he ages he is deteriorating further as his admittedly minimal social guardrails begin to fail. What is most frightening is the large number of supposedly “normal” Americans who condone and support this kind of behavior. After WW2 we looked back and wondered how so many presumably “good” German citizens could support Adolph Hitler and the Nazi party. Now we know- and it’s terrifying.

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[richard horan](https://substack.com/profile/674984-richard-horan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268443673 "May 31, 2026, 8:00 PM") Edited

"It’s not going to be easy, and maybe it’s not going to be doable, but we have to try because this is a nightmare. This is a nightmare beyond, I think, even the worst fantasies of progressives, beyond the worst fantasies of conservatives who still have a conscience. (There still are plenty of those, but they’re no longer MAGA.)

This has to be turned around and we should not, above all, whitewash or forget this moment. This is where a lot of forces in America have been leading and if we don’t do something beyond just getting rid of Trump, it’s going to happen again."

So, not to explode the situation, but this is waaaaaay beyond the point where we need an insurrection on the order of a thousand times greater than what the morons did on January 6th, 2021. I mean we need a ten-million-person march on Washington! I play trumpet in two concert bands. I'm calling on all my brass band mates to grab your instruments: LET'S FUCKING MARCH!

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[Patrick Luppens](https://substack.com/profile/218430013-patrick-luppens?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268428489 "May 31, 2026, 7:22 PM")

Not Crazy!! Evil, greedy and 34% of 340 million Americans think he's wonderful. Another third don't care or are simply unaware. The problem is not Trump. It's us.

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[Paul Ellis](https://substack.com/profile/65090411-paul-ellis?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268402094 "May 31, 2026, 6:15 PM")

You also have to be a little bit nuts to even want to be president. It’s ironic that some one like you, Paul, who would be exactly what we need will never have that tiny, peculiar bit of crazy.

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[Bryan Taylor](https://substack.com/profile/415697540-bryan-taylor?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268391214 "May 31, 2026, 5:49 PM")

I want the democrats running for president and congress in 2028 to tell us what they plan to do to recover from this lethal disease in the body politic. I specifically want to know if they will investigate and try lawbreakers. I've heard it said frequently that we might never have gotten here if Nixon had been prosecuted, but Obama did this too when he let slide the torture and the economic skullduggery obvious by the time he took office. I don't want to vote for any Dem who won't commit to cleaning up the DOJ and pursuing all the scofflaws who have run amok since 2021. Maybe we can also, finally, get some transparency and action on the Epstein scumbags. I know there also has to be economic reforms, urgently, and that needs to be top priority, but as Jesus allegedly said: "This ye ought to do, and not to leave the other undone." But I want to see a reform agenda articulated and committed to. Start with voting rights and money in politics.

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[MIMI BREED](https://substack.com/profile/23582236-mimi-breed?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268390671 "May 31, 2026, 5:47 PM")

Mentally ill AND rotten to the core. His enablers are also rotten to the core.

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[david](https://substack.com/profile/21294185-david?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268386142 "May 31, 2026, 5:37 PM")

mad king george (and greedy colonialism) was 'why' the united states.....seems appropriate the mad king don is an existential threat. the puzzle is why can't america wake the fark up?

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268559582 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:35 AM") Edited

It was not King George III, but measures implemented by British Parliament that caused the issues. The wanted taxes from the American colonies primarily to pay off Britain's massive war debt from the French and the Indian War. The King did support this and also the strict measures to enforce.

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[david](https://substack.com/profile/21294185-david?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268687346 "Jun 1, 2026, 9:20 AM")

agreed....but they will use the same arguments to try to remediate trump's responsibility in the current days. it rhymes........

[https://theconversation.com/why-trump-blames-decisions-on-others-a-psychologist-explains-260877](https://theconversation.com/why-trump-blames-decisions-on-others-a-psychologist-explains-260877)

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[Andrew Goldstein](https://substack.com/profile/100817906-andrew-goldstein?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268377464 "May 31, 2026, 5:18 PM")

Too many fail to see what is at stake. Paul Krugman passes that test with extraordinary distinction. Once bamboozled, it is very difficult to admit to the greatest bamboozle ever foisted on this country.

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[Carl Pettigrew](https://substack.com/profile/319159644-carl-pettigrew?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268373768 "May 31, 2026, 5:09 PM")

Donald Trump is clearly a nutcase. But what about the people who voted for him?

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[Jeff Larsen](https://substack.com/profile/117752336-jeff-larsen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268364622 "May 31, 2026, 4:48 PM")

Professor Krugman's exceptional explanation of Trump's descent into vindictive madness recalls H C Andersen's folktale "The Emperor's New Clothes" (when in reality the emperor was not wearing any clothes).

Instead, we have a president who relies on a nanosecond attention span and complete lack of integrity to issue ongoing tantrums against anyone who didn't "swoon" or genuflect in his presence while he continues to happily dismantle our country.

The bipartisan 25rh Amendment was passed with this solution in mind.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268561237 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:42 AM")

The courtiers admired the King's New Clothes, very much.

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[Howard Cell](https://substack.com/profile/33818898-howard-cell?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268363736 "May 31, 2026, 4:46 PM")

I am very grateful for your compelling and clear analysis, such as the account of inequality this morning and the series on health care. And now you provide a thoroughly depressing account of DJT's mental state/illness! Depressing because he has an extended period yet to go in this term and a program of demagafication is unlikely before that is over. So even if the November elections provide the opportunity for a set of investigations of the damage he and his administration have done to date they are unlikely to result in his impeachment. (But as Fats Waller famously said, "One never knows, do one?")

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[Scott Fossum](https://substack.com/profile/264052973-scott-fossum?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268363731 "May 31, 2026, 4:46 PM")

Blame the democrat establishment. They ran a candidate who could not beat the Trump. The previous Democrat president was obviously mentally challenged. Americans voted both these guys in. Every 4 years we get a new chance to vote for president. Will we go for a 3 or 4-peat or get a new type person? I’m not optimistic.

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[Michael Edwards](https://substack.com/profile/330907642-michael-edwards?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268362241 "May 31, 2026, 4:43 PM")

I’m afraid we dare not get rid of Trump. The thought of a President Vance is terrifying. Vance is a masterful liar, a much better, more convincing, more reasonable sounding liar than Trump ever was. As the incumbent he would have a huge advantage in 2028. And he’s more focused, more rational, and just as evil as Trump. I think we have to live through this for two and a half more years.

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[Mark Brakke](https://substack.com/profile/87292308-mark-brakke?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268360502 "May 31, 2026, 4:39 PM")

Totally agree.

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[Victoria](https://substack.com/profile/105130287-victoria?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268359717 "May 31, 2026, 4:37 PM")

Read Mary Trump's book... Trump is beyond mentally ill. He is mental deranged. He was taught well by his family.

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[Brian](https://substack.com/profile/426802916-brian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268357817 "May 31, 2026, 4:33 PM")

“You make us poorer, brother. Broke and poorer.”

“You want the belt? You ain’t earned it. Daddy’s money. Born rich. Born covered. Born protected.”

“Grandma’s Medicare? Hands off. SNAP? Hands off. That’s food for that little family down my street.”

“And Bezos? 1.4 percent. You hear that? We pay before we see the paycheck. He floats over the whole damn ring.”

“You don’t know work. You know golf, loopholes, ballrooms, and people paid to laugh at your jokes.”

“Old man, tired act. Step out of the ring.”

“I’m calling you out, brother.”

“Your stealing days are over.”

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[richard](https://substack.com/profile/55663549-richard?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268354838 "May 31, 2026, 4:26 PM")

I think being forever labeled a Loser in Iran is the terrible horizon this peabrain now sees. Unless of course, there is something even worse to come of Epstein that hasn't made the news yet. I don't know what could be so terrible for a convicted lying fraudster who survived all those bankruptcies only to be known as a brilliant businessman by MAGA.

I still remember from the Trump Tapes Woodward telling Trump, We both came from privileged backgrounds which didn't fit into Trump's picture of reality. Woodward had to ask/tell Trump multiple times the same thing before Trump humbly agreed. His niece knows Trump the best, he is sick which I guess was too unpolitical for Democrats.

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[Dave Posner](https://substack.com/profile/114273095-dave-posner?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268354574 "May 31, 2026, 4:26 PM")

Now tell us what you \*really\* think about Trump.

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[Dave H](https://substack.com/profile/105448385-dave-h?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268349932 "May 31, 2026, 4:16 PM") Edited

Lets start with a few constitutional amendments to strengthen the separation of powers:

\- president is not a unitary executive

\- no presidential pardon power (helps to keep the minions honest)

\- immediate impeachment if an administration fails to obey court orders (UPDATE: rather than impeachment a better idea would be to force a presidential election in say 3 months, kind of like a vote of no confidence in other systems)

\- term limits on all 3 branches

\- age limits on all 3 branches

\- power to recall members of congress

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268352800 "May 31, 2026, 4:22 PM")

The pardon power can be used to correct injustice. I'd allow it, but each proposed pardon would have to be approved by a panel of non-politicians -- philosophers of ethics, perhaps.

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[Kevin Doyle](https://substack.com/profile/107462151-kevin-doyle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268349584 "May 31, 2026, 4:15 PM")

Very astute, as always - and even more valuable is your courage to say so!! I hope there are congressmen who read your column who grow a backbone when they realize they have all been "taken" as stooges by the would-be dictator! kmd

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[Donna Muse](https://substack.com/profile/47224586-donna-muse?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268334666 "May 31, 2026, 3:43 PM")

Bezos has lost my Amazon subscription. That will save me a lot of money.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268557962 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:28 AM")

That would be Andy Jassy. Mr. Bezos is boating (since 2021).

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[Bry](https://substack.com/profile/309269474-bry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268334048 "May 31, 2026, 3:42 PM")

How can it be such a sprite when it was all clearly outlined in Project 2025.

Democrats and other opponents need to coalesce behind a worst case scenario and prepare for it.

The best way to deMAGAnify the US is to kill Citizens United and the Electoral College and expand the SCOTUS.

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[Painted Journals](https://substack.com/profile/22421283-painted-journals?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331783 "May 31, 2026, 3:37 PM")

If sane people are ever back in power, we need to do everything to put the country back together. Four more reasonable Supreme Court justices to get rid of presidential immunity and citizens united.

And then relentlessly go after every corrupt person that was involved with the administration. 2029.

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[Sandra Tolbert](https://substack.com/profile/2714372-sandra-tolbert?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331289 "May 31, 2026, 3:36 PM")

Thanks Paul, for saying bluntly and factually and obviously what needs to be said. Too many are not willing to speak the truth about a man with his fingers on the nuclear button, and keep a lunatic in office.

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[Natalie Baker](https://substack.com/profile/51068757-natalie-baker?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330728 "May 31, 2026, 3:35 PM")

Along with SCOTUS, The Presidential Succession Act must also be reformed. As currently mandated under law, the parade of horribles waiting in the wings is as follows:

1 Vice President JD Vance

2 Speaker of the House of Representatives Mike Johnson

3 President pro tempore of the Senate Chuck Grassley

4 Secretary of State Marco Rubio

5 Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent

6 Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth

7\[A\] Attorney General Todd Blanche

8 Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum

9 Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins

10 Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick

11\[A\] Secretary of Labor Keith E. Sonderling

12 Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

13 Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Scott Turner

14 Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy

15 Secretary of Energy Chris Wright

16 Secretary of Education Linda McMahon

17 Secretary of Veterans Affairs Doug Collins

18 Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin

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[Joan Rosenstock](https://substack.com/profile/241133536-joan-rosenstock?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268322754 "May 31, 2026, 3:18 PM")

I don't agree that Trump has declined mentally, at least not significantly, since his first term. His comments about the 250th celebration are no different than things he said then, including his grandiosity. The difference is that he has surrounded himself with sycophants and the Republicans have abdicated.

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[Mark Domash](https://substack.com/profile/327884465-mark-domash?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268315151 "May 31, 2026, 3:02 PM")

Anyone besides me noticed the parallelism between

>

Have a good rest of your weekend.

<

and

>

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

<

I'll spell it out to keep there from being a misinterpretation--Krugman is describing something horrible and then ends with an anodyne valediction. DJT, on the other hand, is threatening something horrible (say ended a 5,000 year old civilization) and then ends with a pretty matter-of-fact sign off.

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[Jason](https://substack.com/profile/102113357-jason?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[6d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/278788194 "Jun 18, 2026, 6:42 PM")

Trump: mental illness!

Biden: nothing to see here. move along.

This is quite hilarious.

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[Prouddad4444](https://substack.com/profile/53727925-prouddad4444?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 8](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/272841755 "Jun 8, 2026, 3:10 PM")

No question

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[AAA](https://substack.com/profile/316903660-aaa?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 4](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270305918 "Jun 4, 2026, 12:39 AM")

RIGGED/STOLEN ELECTION!!!

[https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/stolen-elections-an-open-letter-to](https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/stolen-elections-an-open-letter-to)

[https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/she-won-michigan-used-a-fake-county](https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/she-won-michigan-used-a-fake-county)

[https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/she-won-over-2-million-votes-removed](https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/she-won-over-2-million-votes-removed)

\\*\\*\\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

[https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/trump-the-trojan-horse-for-authoritarian](https://thiswillhold.substack.com/p/trump-the-trojan-horse-for-authoritarian)

"THEIR" PLAN FOR US TO DIE!!!! ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

\\*\\*\\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/america-is-disintegrating-because](https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/america-is-disintegrating-because)

[https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/mental-health-experts-warned-against](https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/mental-health-experts-warned-against)

[https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/urgent-warning-to-congressional-leaders](https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/urgent-warning-to-congressional-leaders)

?????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Seriously, how much proof does anyone need?? A letter to Congress, and the Senate!!! Jamie Raskin KNOWS!!! Has ANYONE SEEN OR HEARD OF THIS??!!!! STATEMENT FOR OUR GOVERNMENT!!!!!

[https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/statement-of-presidential-medical](https://bandyxlee.substack.com/p/statement-of-presidential-medical)

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[robert](https://substack.com/profile/931680-robert?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 2](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269600605 "Jun 2, 2026, 7:43 PM") Edited

I agree - it is "going to happen again"...

we've had rotten presidents since 1945.

when one of them threatened peace he was shot, remember?

Trump is backed by alot of worthless antidemocratic rotten people - not just Russel Vought etc - the MSM media heros like Bezos and Musk also who came out of the woodwork and revealed what roaches they are in the last year and a half.

They were always around but Trump encouraged them.

There are plenty of GOP voters Congressmen and Senators backing Trump .... he can do no wrong in their eyes

Trump only needed 26% of the vote to win in 2024...he is currently polling around 30% ... 30% is enough to take the WH

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[Carol Taylor Boyd](https://substack.com/profile/207943959-carol-taylor-boyd?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269003835 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:27 PM")

When Democrats regain control of the House, the first thing that We The People have to demand that the cap of 435 Congress Members be removed! The cap was set in 1929. It was an act, not a Constitutional Amendment! It just takes another Act! Think about it only 435 Representatives in Congress for a population of 340 MILLION people! This is how the morbidly rich and morally bankrupt took over our government. We The People are being taxed and governed without representation!

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[The Risk Signal](https://substack.com/profile/487648063-the-risk-signal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268653932 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:10 AM")

One question nobody seems to be asking: did they really not know about the Hormuz consequences? 20% of world oil passes through that strait. Helium too — and that alone has crippled South Korea's semiconductor industry. This is not obscure knowledge. So either the Pentagon failed spectacularly at its job, or someone in that room decided their interests came first. I find the second option far more plausible. And far more frightening.

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[Louise Yarnall](https://substack.com/profile/2402958-louise-yarnall?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268649867 "Jun 1, 2026, 7:59 AM") Edited

Appreciate Prof. Krugman’s clarity and this follow-up discussion. My contribution: More sunlight needs to focus on the money that is propping up this addled egomaniac. His enablers use his chaotic antics to distract the public. We need to focus in the systemic undermining of our democracy. From the beginning of his second election, I favored news organizations assigning AI bots to “cover” his nonsense press conferences and social media posts, simply providing a daily box summary of his “noise making” in a set of at-a-glance bullet points. In the meantime, they could assign actual reporters to uncover the underlying network financing this coordinated attack on our country. (Side note: I was glad to see Peter Thiel is moving to Argentina; I expect to see others of his ilk do the same, and good riddance.) So far, the district courts have been shouldering much of the serious burden of the fight to preserve our country, but we also owe our vestigial sanity to Substackers, podcasters, various WSJ and NYT reporters, and various online enterprise journalists. Television has its place, but as an information source to meet the moment, it leaves much to be desired. Whither Ed Murrow’s heirs? Whither the audiences that would watch them? I don’t need pancake makeup personalities, chyrons, flashy graphic gimmicks, or a political “food fight” on TV; I need someone with a sharp eye, an unflinching focus on the truth, and some capacity to explain complex things in plain English.

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[Prosaic Political Punditry](https://substack.com/profile/264423511-prosaic-political-punditry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268653643 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:09 AM")

Good point about the pressers. Why these newspeople subject themselves to the predictable gaslighting, insults, evasions, deflections (and occasional eruptions of flatulence) is beyond me.

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[Adolfo](https://substack.com/profile/22239805-adolfo?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268574670 "Jun 1, 2026, 3:39 AM")

Perhaps they are Mickeys stuffing their pockets while playing the "Sorcerer's Apprentice" role (Fantasy) to a deranged split-broom platoon ---》¿ short term bliss for Ponzi schemers ?

But worst as-in-a-mirror error would be disregarding -and failing to redress- main and legitimate concerns and expectation gaps of many people who voted him in twice, as well as Dem's failures (good industrial cum disastrous immigration policies, etc.)

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[Micheal Durack](https://substack.com/profile/60627719-micheal-durack?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268542085 "Jun 1, 2026, 1:18 AM")

There is not much doubt that the US government is now being driven by what the most wealthy Americans want. What is unclear is, are they doing it to help themselves personally or because they believe that this will make America great again? These people are not stupid but their motives are questionable. What is happening will increase their personal wealth almost certainly but is it corrupting the US in a way that will never allow it to remain great or be great again, long term? Corruption almost always limits countries ability to be great but it does take time as inequality deepens. If they understand this, and they must be smart enough to know, it can only be accumulating personal wealth that they are focused on. Being rich in a corrupt US is much better than being rich in one that it's forefathers designed. Unfortunately, once corruption is imbedded it is very hard to remove, no matter who is in power and no matter if its a democracy or not.

Thank god there are people like Paul, willing to tell Americans that the danger is real.

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[Olof Hesselmark](https://substack.com/profile/323947494-olof-hesselmark?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268526206 "Jun 1, 2026, 12:13 AM")

Where is the discussion of what happens after Trump? He is in spite of his dementia the cement that keeps the bricks together. When he is gone new coalitions will form, and the fight for power will be brutal. Will the oligarchs put all their millions behind Vance, or will they break up in factions? What is history saying about such situations?

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[Fred W. Cox](https://substack.com/profile/82410562-fred-w-cox?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268489208 "May 31, 2026, 10:06 PM")

Thank you so much for your incisive and rational analysis of Trump’s mental illness, his enablers and what needs to be done about it. Prominent lawyers, Sidney Blumenthal and Sean Wilentz of LegalAF, interviewed Melissa Murray, author of “The US Constitution”, and agree. They feel John Roberts is a Dr. Frankenstein who created the monstrous and unconstitutional Trump presidency. [https://michaelpopok.substack.com/p/justice-roberts-runs-scared-from?r=1d2cea&utm\_medium=ios](https://michaelpopok.substack.com/p/justice-roberts-runs-scared-from?r=1d2cea&utm_medium=ios). A recent survey of Federal judges by Bright Line Watch and UCLA Law Safeguarding Democracy Project shows that most Federal judges agree: “Trump Rebuked by Federal Judges in Stunning Report”, [https://michaelpopok.substack.com/p/justice-roberts-runs-scared-from?r=1d2cea&utm\_medium=ios](https://michaelpopok.substack.com/p/justice-roberts-runs-scared-from?r=1d2cea&utm_medium=ios). Thank you again Professor Krugman. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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[Fred W. Cox](https://substack.com/profile/82410562-fred-w-cox?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268492166 "May 31, 2026, 10:16 PM")

For those who like to see the actual data and CHARTS! Here is the actual Bright Line Watch report: [https://brightlinewatch.org/erosion-of-the-rule-of-law-in-trumps-second-term/](https://brightlinewatch.org/erosion-of-the-rule-of-law-in-trumps-second-term/)

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Comment removed

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269964228 "Jun 3, 2026, 11:46 AM")

_Comment removed_

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[Fred W. Cox](https://substack.com/profile/82410562-fred-w-cox?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 3](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/270252078 "Jun 3, 2026, 9:38 PM")

Thank you for the reply. Please state your reasons/arguments for why you think the data cited and the references to the law are irrational. Feel free to show your own verifiable data in support of your arguments. As a physician scientist with an undergraduate degree in chemistry & physics, a graduate degree in biochemistry and extensive experience in diagnosing and treating mental illness, I welcome your help in pointing out any irrationality.

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[Kurt Fisher](https://substack.com/profile/114123921-kurt-fisher?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268473162 "May 31, 2026, 9:20 PM")

Very courageous thing to write. Thank you.

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[Jim Lynch](https://substack.com/profile/229153466-jim-lynch?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268465972 "May 31, 2026, 9:00 PM")

Could not agree more. But what in the world is going on with that tree wrapped around that post behind you? That thing is amazing!

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[Jayem](https://substack.com/profile/359631224-jayem?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268445557 "May 31, 2026, 8:05 PM")

to 'de-fang MAGA' can be likened to ridding a garden of weeds: if you only clip the top, the roots remain, and they run deep into the hidden soil of the human psyche. The Republican Party has for decades been refining its 'wisdom' (yes, an oxymoron!) in HOW to play on the fundamentals of one primary energy: existential fear. Project an enemy (in fear it does not matter if this is rational, or not!), turn the enemy into a religious one (democrats are not just 'liberals', but 'satanic', etc), KEEP the projection going WHILE you do the very things you project and blame on the 'evil side', which is always 'over there/not here'!

As within, so without: in all genuine personal growth, indeed, of a truly spiritual evolution, this one fundamental issue must be dealt with: projecting one's own fears (ie, darkness) outside oneself. America - not uncommonly - has had this 'dis-ease' - and the R party is but the inevitable acute accentuation, and clearly successful 'mastery' of this fundamental Disease.

Yes, clip the weeds at the top, but somehow, we must become an nation devoted to waking from this most fundamental delusion: the 'enemy' is always found 'within'. It is powerful in its mad symptoms only when projected, for when it is, sooner or later, the nation manifests - and madly rationalizes - the rise to power of a party zealously devoted to a absolute control of Power no matter how insanely it used, and millions of folks blinded by the same Disease. It is inevitable that we end up with the deadly cancer that is the 'Donny Boy and the Bobble Head Show', coming (to eat up and destroy) a 'theater' near you!

It won't be the 'rule of Law and regulation' that heals this Disease, for such Rule requires a higher level of evolved, caring consciousness; we have had enough of Lawyers running the show: we need true Visionaries, to guide and instruct the implementers of Law and Rules.

Democracy requires Integrity and service of ALL citizens, first. While BOTH parties at times fall from Vision to mere lust for Power, there are very real reasons why conservatism becomes more prey to the underlying Disease of Fear, Projected; then USED by the fearful to fulfill the lust for Power OVER others, rather than the power to Serve All...

It may just be that America has passed the tipping point; is its Vision capable of restoration?

Perhaps, not.... but something has to occur deep in the shared soil of the American psyche.

So, lets say we 'defang MAGA'...replacing it with...what, exactly? For the one thing this madness reveals is that our system is having a very huge 'wake up' Call....

Jayem H.

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[Glenn Burkhardt](https://substack.com/profile/31938178-glenn-burkhardt?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268442700 "May 31, 2026, 7:58 PM")

Hmmm.... The Roman emperor Caligula appointed a horse as a senator. Trump has appointed Paxton as a senator. History might not repeat itself, but it certainly rhymes.

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[Lisa Heard](https://substack.com/profile/612489-lisa-heard?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268434334 "May 31, 2026, 7:36 PM")

Thank you. Yes, we need a de-Magafication of the US government. Impeach trump and sycophants, (i.e. Maga supporters) and lock them up for they are criminals, con-artists, despicable, sub-humans. Their corruption is unbelievable! SAVE democracy!

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[Pasqual Allen](https://substack.com/profile/43176822-pasqual-allen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268430221 "May 31, 2026, 7:26 PM")

We have a president who has mental health issues. If you watched his posts you would think that’s someone experiencing paranoia and psychosis. It’s strange. Even if a man is acting manic we still allow it because the power is too much to give up. One thing the Democrats did wrong Biden should’ve fixed the constitution to not allow this to go on. He should’ve protected democracy.

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[Dr. Doug Gilbert](https://substack.com/profile/31487883-dr-doug-gilbert?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268425331 "May 31, 2026, 7:14 PM") Edited

Yes, time to move beyond. But what? Clearly, money out of politics. There are 14 states that have proposed banning corporate entities from giving money to political causes. That's a start. Beyond that, recognize that the two-party presidential system is prone to failure and corruption. My suggestion for a replacement: A federal council elected by proportional districts in nonpartisan, publicly funded elections. It's a variation of what has worked reasonably well in Switzerland since 1848, but reflecting the size and scope of the Americas. Check out [https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/a-leaf-out-of-switzerland-s-book-on-how-to-elect-a-president/46212892](https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/politics/a-leaf-out-of-switzerland-s-book-on-how-to-elect-a-president/46212892)

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[Joshua Pollack](https://substack.com/profile/30356-joshua-pollack?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268410269 "May 31, 2026, 6:35 PM")

The Germany comparison is interesting. How successful was denazification, really?

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[ConnieW](https://substack.com/profile/317661372-conniew?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268400799 "May 31, 2026, 6:11 PM")

It is definitely a nightmare. We assumed even evil people had limits. We were wrong.

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[Carolyn johnson](https://substack.com/profile/104901812-carolyn-johnson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268399433 "May 31, 2026, 6:08 PM")

Most of his life but knows right from wrong!!!!! Needs to pay!!!!! He’s more than earned it on purpose!!!!!!!!!!

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[bill](https://substack.com/profile/130473157-bill?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268398755 "May 31, 2026, 6:06 PM")

As always, well said. Interesting background, are you still in Europe?

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[promote the general Welfare](https://substack.com/profile/74113883-promote-the-general-welfare?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268397908 "May 31, 2026, 6:04 PM")

Truth and reconciliation. On a national level, we lack sufficient self-awareness and humility to engage in that process. However, the states that still have sense and huge economic might could and should band together to demand that, in order to continue to benefit from the flow of money from those states to the country, the nation engages in that process. Honestly, I don't trust the Democratic party, even if there is a Blue wave strong enough to really take over Congress, to have the vision or guts to do the job that needs doing.

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[Joe Ryan](https://substack.com/profile/28887415-joe-ryan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268396219 "May 31, 2026, 6:00 PM")

What an outsider, non-U.S. citizen might say is that the United Nations has a Trusteeship Council that could be reactivated (with the Security Council's support) to assign governance responsibilities for the U.S. and start over on the U.S. politico-legal structure.

But maybe we in the U.S. can reform internally. We shall see.

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[promote the general Welfare](https://substack.com/profile/74113883-promote-the-general-welfare?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268395088 "May 31, 2026, 5:58 PM")

Truth and reconciliation. We need it but does this country (capable of electing Trump in 2024 with a plurality of votes) have sufficient self-awareness and maturity to undertake it? That one has to ask the question answers it.

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[Lillian](https://substack.com/profile/9091163-lillian?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268395021 "May 31, 2026, 5:58 PM")

Finally, a public person who is telling it like it is.

Thank you.

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[Susan Fitzpatrick](https://substack.com/profile/9263248-susan-fitzpatrick?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268393362 "May 31, 2026, 5:54 PM")

What is happening right now is nowhere near as bad as it likely will get. IMHO.

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[Mary Guercio](https://substack.com/profile/4876488-mary-guercio?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268390388 "May 31, 2026, 5:47 PM")

Dems may take both chambers but the Senate will be tough and senate impeachment rules require 60 votes.

A wiser alternative to impeachment could be to remove Vought, Miller, Blanche if possible and if not, block and rescind as many policies and orders as possible that are the most damaging to our democratic institutions and processes and the rule of law. Whoever can be removed by impeachment, do so. There is so much work to be done.

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[Chenda](https://substack.com/profile/155968721-chenda?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268390203 "May 31, 2026, 5:46 PM")

What would happen if Trump were to die or become totally incapacitated before his term of office ends in terms of the likely trajectory of Maga?

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[Sue Lee](https://substack.com/profile/43467020-sue-lee?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268389900 "May 31, 2026, 5:46 PM")

The problem, Professor Krugman, is none of us can figure out a way to stop or change it.

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[Jennifer Lang](https://substack.com/profile/310488340-jennifer-lang?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268389181 "May 31, 2026, 5:44 PM")

Agree agree agree

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[Chenda](https://substack.com/profile/155968721-chenda?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268387956 "May 31, 2026, 5:41 PM")

DeMAGAfication must involve bringing the billionaires to justice. For starters let's break up Amazon and pummle them all with a massive wealth tax.

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[Carter Burke](https://substack.com/profile/338670145-carter-burke?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268387223 "May 31, 2026, 5:40 PM")

It's not Bezos fault. It is the American people. The majority of those who voted chose Trump. And a good portion now are going for Trump clone Paxton.

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[Walter Ackerman](https://substack.com/profile/179046887-walter-ackerman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268386738 "May 31, 2026, 5:38 PM")

paul, paul, PAUL!!!!

The MAGA mindset is ingrained in the populace! The roots are from the Appalachian peoples and the Caribbean slave holders moving into the south (creating a new group out of the hillbillys-redneck field overseers). INGRAINED!!!

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[S.R. Lawton](https://substack.com/profile/15933859-sr-lawton?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268385635 "May 31, 2026, 5:36 PM")

Liquidate the GOP

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[Anca Vlasopolos](https://substack.com/profile/24505854-anca-vlasopolos?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268385288 "May 31, 2026, 5:35 PM")

I couldn't agree with you more. Your post today perfectly counteracts a really idiotic piece on the economy that appeared in today's Boston Globe.

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[JOHN YANKEE 083 Vanport.ac](https://substack.com/profile/325843361-john-yankee-083-vanportac?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383923 "May 31, 2026, 5:32 PM")

When the legislature, judiciary is no longer functional and doing its checks and balance on the executive, it is really the time for the people to :“Get in good trouble, necessary trouble, and help redeem the soul of America.” - John Lewis

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[Serena howlett](https://substack.com/profile/36583157-serena-howlett?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383467 "May 31, 2026, 5:31 PM")

Re SCOTUS enabling Trumpism, let's pay attention to the dissenting opinions of Justices Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson, opposing the MAGA agenda.

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[Ariel p](https://substack.com/profile/17493044-ariel-p?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268383370 "May 31, 2026, 5:31 PM")

Please stop conflating evil with mental illness. I would have thought you’d be more aware than that. T may have mental illness,but that’s not why he’s nefarious. This stereotype hurts all people with psychiatric disorders. Most of us are just trying to survive.

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[Humanitarians Unite!](https://substack.com/profile/30336021-humanitarians-unite?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268382837 "May 31, 2026, 5:30 PM")

You are a good man. Thank you for this. I think we have to revisit the whole issue of political parties. I think better than having political parties. We should just have candidate to run on a platform that they explained to their constituents. We’ve become so separating, and our founding fathers never wanted political parties. They were afraid of them because they knew what would happen..

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[TCinDC](https://substack.com/profile/1632670-tcindc?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268382555 "May 31, 2026, 5:29 PM")

Scares the hell outta me, too.

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[Blairnj](https://substack.com/profile/360810580-blairnj?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268380432 "May 31, 2026, 5:24 PM")

When you say “people who put Trump in power”, are you talking about the Bidens - Joe, Jill and Hunter and all those who supported and propped them up including yourself?

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[Blairnj](https://substack.com/profile/360810580-blairnj?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268380137 "May 31, 2026, 5:24 PM")

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[Baxter](https://substack.com/profile/330900343-baxter?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268380090 "May 31, 2026, 5:24 PM")

Thank you for this! But I'm not convinced that what we need to be doing or talking about just now is a "demagaficatation". I'm not even sure, to be honest, what MAGA means at this moment (or at any moment for that matter). And with so many of the major personalities who were once so stronly associated with MAGA now coming out and openly and forcefully criticizing the behaviour of the President (MTG, Tucker Carlson, Joe Rogan, Megan Kelly, Candace Owens, Alex Jones, etc.), it almost appears that MAGA is already ripping itself apart. I'm all for constitutional reform, campaign finance regulation, party realignment, or voter persuasion, etc., but not convinced of the need to pursue a societal “purging” of a faction. Once the frame shifts toward purging an ideology from society, it becomes very hard to distinguish between institutional reform and the erosion of pluralistic norms that protect political opposition.

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[Ilene Freedman](https://substack.com/profile/70003252-ilene-freedman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268379727 "May 31, 2026, 5:23 PM")

“Have a good rest of your weekend”.

Really, after scaring me half to death with your less than upbeat piece. I know we have to hear this over and over again so that we continue to fight with everything we can. We have to get rid of Vought and Miller and Bessent and all his enablers. I’m not advocating violence, but there must be ways to get them out of our faces. Seriously, they are playing him like a fiddle. The Senate and the House are disgraces. I’m going home to have a good cry.

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[Paul Braterman, Facts Matter](https://substack.com/profile/12248740-paul-braterman-facts-matter?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268379500 "May 31, 2026, 5:22 PM")

De-Nazification was imposed on a militarily defeated Germany from outside. So, alas, it is not a helpful precedent

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[Michele McGurrin](https://substack.com/profile/33813564-michele-mcgurrin?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268377843 "May 31, 2026, 5:19 PM")

Nuremberg

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[Michele McGurrin](https://substack.com/profile/33813564-michele-mcgurrin?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268376627 "May 31, 2026, 5:16 PM")

I know we can’t allow the rule of law to be violated as this Administration has done!! Yes, he is not the greatest president in history!! He is going down fast. He’s a pathetic human!!

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[Jlstephens](https://substack.com/profile/202990789-jlstephens?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375757 "May 31, 2026, 5:14 PM")

As a 72 year old I see a lot of my contemporaries becoming much more “radicalized” than they could have dreamed of being as 45 year olds.

It’s a little odd that so many older folks clearly see the peril that younger folks don’t .

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[RobWhitH](https://substack.com/profile/218349421-robwhith?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375658 "May 31, 2026, 5:13 PM")

One, the Democrats have to regain control of the Federal government. Two, the Democratic Congress has to pass legislation to reform the Supreme Court, starting with ethics rules with a real bite and the use of the shadow docket, and more. Three, the Democratic President's AG must indict all this president's men and women for all the illegal acts they've committed. Meanwhile, assuming Trump will issue pardons, the President and Congress must authorize a "truth and reconciliation" commission with investigative and prosecutorial functions, including subpoena power. So if Trump has quarantined his people from the judiciary, they will not be quarantined politically. Four, the Federal government will cooperate with international commissions and courts that have decided to prosecute Trump and his regime. Five, the President and Congress will enact laws to correct the recent rulings of the Supreme Court, especially concerning campaign finance and voting rights. Six, the whole immigration business will need legislative and executive reform: law, policy, organization. Including scaling back DHS, and returning some agencies back to their original homes, like the Coast Guard and SS back to Treasury. Seven, a new Constitutional Convention should be established to write a replacement for the Constitution. The members of the Convention will be from each state in proportion to the state's population. The Convention should start work in 2029 and finish in 2030, prior to the 2030 mid-terms. Meetings will be non-public. Congress and the President will determine whether to send the proposed new document to the states for ratification, with a simple majority enough to make it the law of the land.

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[EJ montreal](https://substack.com/profile/24527406-ej-montreal?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375597 "May 31, 2026, 5:13 PM")

I’m not optimistic about a turnaround. The US is in the grip of a perverse death drive. Its instructions are completely ossified and have been taken over by evil

People. Nothing short of a revolution and a busy guillotine will cleanse it.

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[nome sane?](https://substack.com/profile/36583379-nome-sane?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268375402 "May 31, 2026, 5:13 PM")

Bezos and the wingnut supremes are not stupid by any means. They believe an Ann Ryndian future would be a huge benefit to their interests. After all, at least 2 supremes - Thomas and Alito - were open supporters of the Jan.6 insurrectionists. By sharing his opinion that Trump is more “mature”, Bezos is simply giving voice to the Croesusly rich billies that we have entered an oligarchical environment akin to Putin’s Russia, where every single sector of our society can now be totally controlled by the likes of those who were arrayed on the podium behind Trump2.0, the mafia boss, as he took his oath of office last year.

The country has matured to their liking so it’s now time to reap even further ill gotten deals … I mean steals.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268560622 "Jun 1, 2026, 2:39 AM")

Ayn Rand. Author of "The Fountainhead" and "Atlas Shrugged".

Her philosophy, Objectivism, she defined as “the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.”

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[DanKinSD](https://substack.com/profile/228377884-dankinsd?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268975778 "Jun 1, 2026, 6:22 PM")

Most high schoolers are bright enough and have enough humanity to see through that shite.

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[antoinette uiterdijk](https://substack.com/profile/15816120-antoinette-uiterdijk?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 1](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/269027758 "Jun 1, 2026, 8:26 PM")

I hope so, but I wonder. Special programs exist to distribute her books for free. They are especially popular with younger people - for decades already. You need some life-experience to see through her writings.

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[Marcia Blick](https://substack.com/profile/488832739-marcia-blick?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374737 "May 31, 2026, 5:11 PM")

Hum, you seem a little “Touched by Mental Illness” yourself, after reading what you wrote in this synopsis. You’re calling the Kettle Black when you need to look at yourself for this way of thinking. You speak your mind & he speaks his mind. Where is the difference because to me, you are the same.

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[Stuart Heady](https://substack.com/profile/2095562-stuart-heady?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268374642 "May 31, 2026, 5:11 PM")

The billionaires have been working towards this since the 60s. We must not be naive. They have been strategic and have hired a lot of people and funded a lot of coordinated efforts to get us here. We must wake up to this and counter with a large public movement to restore our. constitutional republic.

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[Mary Stuart](https://substack.com/profile/250599897-mary-stuart?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268372745 "May 31, 2026, 5:07 PM")

If Donald Trump showed up tomorrow wearing a tin foil hat and insisting the aliens are talking to him, his cabinet would still not implement the 25th amendment and ease him out. That amendment is pretty much useless.

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[Rachel Simon](https://substack.com/profile/23548603-rachel-simon?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268370742 "May 31, 2026, 5:02 PM")

TRUTH

Thank you Paul Krugman.

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[John W Kennedy](https://substack.com/profile/298551-john-w-kennedy?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268370509 "May 31, 2026, 5:02 PM")

In the denazification process, we performed quite a few hangings. In the 70s, Sinologists reported that Beijing believed that Watergate was a hoax by the Sinister Occidental Mind, because if we had really deposed him, he would have gone on to have a Fatal Accident. The joint implication of these facts disturbs me.

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[Carl Mitcham](https://substack.com/profile/12297841-carl-mitcham?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268364775 "May 31, 2026, 4:49 PM")

Is there a Democratic (or perhaps non-partisan) "Project 2029" in the works? Could you help promote such an activity?

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[Hari Prasad](https://substack.com/profile/146350562-hari-prasad?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268360008 "May 31, 2026, 4:38 PM")

Thank you, Mr. Krugman for speaking out. For what it's worth, here's a brief video on psychopathy by a practicing clinical psychologist, Dr. Grande. Note the typical characteristics of psychopathy which Donald Trump exhibits by all standard measures. Trump is, to his supporters, what Hitler was called, "the psychopathic God," by Robert Waite, who documented accounts of his behaviors, beliefs, tastes, fears and compulsions.

[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhk7hZ0NAlM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dhk7hZ0NAlM)

To take just the Psychopathy Checklist, a popular psychometric instrument, Trump manifests ALL of the following in the four principal dimensions:

(I) Interpersonal:

\- Superficial charm;

\- Pathological lying;

\- Grandiosity;

\- Manipulation.

(II) Affective:

\- Callousness;

\- Lack of remorse;

\- Shallow affect;

\- Failure to accept responsibility.

(III) Lifestyle:

\- Irresponsibility;

\- Impulsivity;

\- (Constant) Need for stimulation;

\- Lack of realistic goals;

\- Parasitic lifestyle.

(IV) Antisocial:

\- Early behavior problems;

\- Poor behavioral control;

\- Juvenile delinquency.

To revisit Donald Trump's early years in the light of dimension IV, Trump exhibited notable behavior problems as a child and teenager, which were characterized by disruptiveness and bullying. Details of his behavior include:

\- Disruptive School Conduct: As a young student, he was often rebellious. He was reportedly not well-behaved in class, with documented incidents such as throwing an eraser at a teacher and throwing cake at a birthday party.

\- Bullying and Aggression: In his youth, he gained a reputation for being rough, pushy, and a bully to his classmates and peers. Biographers and his niece, psychologist Mary Trump, noted that he ruled dormitory life aggressively and frequently picked on vulnerable or weaker individuals.

\- Acquiring Weapons: During the seventh grade, his father discovered that Trump had been secretly traveling into Manhattan to acquire knives.Because of these behavioral issues and disciplinary infractions, his parents intervened when he was 13 years old and enrolled him at the New York Military Academy, an institution designed to instill discipline

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[Ron](https://substack.com/profile/39102405-ron?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268359807 "May 31, 2026, 4:37 PM")

Thank you for your courage and for speaking forthrightly about the desperate state of American democracy. Collective action to save our Republic is needed now!

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[Richard P Handler](https://substack.com/profile/26736428-richard-p-handler?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268359319 "May 31, 2026, 4:36 PM")

German denazification was possible and enforced by conquering nations. Who's going to do this ("demaga") for us?

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[Tricia Weber](https://substack.com/profile/9184951-tricia-weber?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268357928 "May 31, 2026, 4:33 PM")

He's rushing like a wolf to rob the hen house before someone comes after him.

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[Deanna J Marquart](https://substack.com/profile/17969449-deanna-j-marquart?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268356685 "May 31, 2026, 4:30 PM")

Every day, the sensation of harboring inside my chest a locker filled with bowling balls that grows heavier and more intense with each new report on trump's deterioration and the obvious existence of a cabal that is taking advantage of his dementia to destroy the "American way" in order to its members' money-wealth. Reading this post from PK offers a whisper that offers a few seconds or so of relief simply by documenting that I am not alone.

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[Ann Lehman](https://substack.com/profile/2106220-ann-lehman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268353433 "May 31, 2026, 4:23 PM")

“This has to be turned around” but how? Focus on what one person w/o a lot of power, money or connections can do that can make a difference.

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[Carole](https://substack.com/profile/236644928-carole?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268352047 "May 31, 2026, 4:20 PM")

💯

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[Lou Panico](https://substack.com/profile/36392588-lou-panico?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268351332 "May 31, 2026, 4:19 PM")

There are conservatives with a conscience? Could have fooled me.

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[Susan Lee](https://substack.com/profile/17969360-susan-lee?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268349556 "May 31, 2026, 4:15 PM")

The vast majority of what this Lunatic is doing is Personal Acts, not Official Acts. They are just whims--such as wars for the fun of them just to try to make himself feel stronger, though it never happens--or personal hate and bigotry, and personal huge weakness that makes him fall to pieces if someone actually says something he doesn't like--you know, one of the very reasons our founders realized they could NO longer and would No longer suffer under King George, no longer suffer under having to keep their mouths shut or bow and scrape to an abuser.

And this means that the vast majority of his horrifying level of abuse to the United States and all of its residents are NOT at all covered by immunity. It just takes removing the spineless so that the country can live up to the "No Immunity" ruling for personal acts only.

Of course, I think the Immunity ruling was a pile of garbage. Our founders were even more worried about a single person's having too much power than the Worthless Court's statement that they were worried about the Article I branch. If they wanted one person to have too much power, they would NEVER have gone through the danger and destruction and death of the Revolution! (In my always-ever-so-humbld-opinion, of course.)

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[Ann Gusfield](https://substack.com/profile/226541884-ann-gusfield?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268348763 "May 31, 2026, 4:13 PM")

Trump is following Hitler's playbook. He has read Hitler's speeches again and again.

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[Newell Warde](https://substack.com/profile/124869518-newell-warde?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268348686 "May 31, 2026, 4:13 PM")

“Demagafication” is an exellent and useful coinage! May it be on many lips and minds in the coming days, weeks, and months. Indeed, we have a lot of work to do. Thank you once again, Professor Krugman, for your pluck and patriotism.

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268347380 "May 31, 2026, 4:10 PM")

"Trump had another mental health episode today and posted over 50 times online:"

[https://x.com/harryjsisson/status/2060907024913678502?s=20](https://x.com/harryjsisson/status/2060907024913678502?s=20)

They are listed, minute by minute.

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[Susan McDonald](https://substack.com/profile/789031-susan-mcdonald?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268346567 "May 31, 2026, 4:09 PM")

Thank you for your frank words! I was wondering the whole time what your musical coda would be—and come to find out it there was not one! “The lunatic is in the grass” kept coming to mind. “Brain Damage” perhaps. But, thank you, nonetheless for “going there”. It really is a nightmare.

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[Fred](https://substack.com/profile/209776113-fred?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268346142 "May 31, 2026, 4:08 PM")

Mitch McConnell - thank you for this lunatic.

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[Henry Cohen](https://substack.com/profile/13005682-henry-cohen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268349309 "May 31, 2026, 4:15 PM")

McConnell has the gall, today, to call "DOJ Trump fund ‘utterly stupid, morally wrong.’" Sorry, Mitch, it's too late. You're also responsible for the current Supreme Court's ruling Trump above the law.

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[Lee](https://substack.com/profile/110039225-lee?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268345086 "May 31, 2026, 4:05 PM")

Bet you couldn't have published this while you were at NYT.

The billionaires are still backing him because there is still money to be made and stuff to steal. Imagine what would happen even to Bezos if he crossed golden leader now.

Thiel has moved to Argentina, watch where the rest of them move to or set up a second home.

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[MMB-PHX](https://substack.com/profile/20539771-mmb-phx?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268343315 "May 31, 2026, 4:02 PM")

It's certainly too late for any engagement in the "blame game." Decades ago even POGO knew, "we've met the enemy and enemy is us." That was about 60 years ago now, and while we were doing whatever it was we were doing all this time there was a cadre of the committed "conservatives", tee'd off by the Powell Memorandum in 1971.

"Free enterprise" (read as potential trouble for containment of wealth at the top)

was in jeopardy and Americans were illiterates when it came for capitalism for they continued to complain about equality and equitable standings for, well, even the poor, colored and foreign born.

Nonetheless, significant strides brought the country cleaner air and water, and a bevy of improvements that only an effective government could accomplish, and even proceeded as far as creating an agency dedicated to ensuring folks weren't steered into bad financial circumstances by someone who acts in a disreputable, unethical, or unscrupulous way (Consumer Finance Protection Bureau).

Well, a new Powell Memorandum was written with an anger that only decades of "regulations" by the "elites" with their thumbs on the scales of "free enterprise" could elicit. It's the new framework for our government. It spits on a Constitution that has worked for 250 years and punishes anyone refuses to recognize our new fabulous reality. It's known as Project 2025. Although it was written and shoved down the throats of some otherwise decent folks who encouraged "conservatism" it was intended to be and has become a roadmap for the destruction of values that most of us thought we all shared, outlined in the Constitution and demonstrated via our past accomplishments for a better quality of life for ALL.

The good news is that we can out-vote the bastards, if there is actually an election in our future, and we can robustly redo what was right and good and undo all horrible accomplishments brought to you MAGA et al. Let's start with making all our young DACA folks citizens and issuing heart felts apologies worldwide. Thanks, Dr. Krugman. I don't have to pay to make my feeling known.

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[Barb](https://substack.com/profile/28686174-barb?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268343163 "May 31, 2026, 4:01 PM") Edited

Ever watch a Joseon Period K-drama? The powerful and wealthy families are always fighting to put their puppet king in power so they can control him and gather wealth and power for themselves.

Unfortunately, k-dramas are fiction where the good guys(who aren’t either of the greedy powerful families) eventually win.

Wouldn’t it be nice if we can defeat the selfish, greedy and rich people?

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[S Barrrett](https://substack.com/profile/44932321-s-barrrett?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268343138 "May 31, 2026, 4:01 PM")

The de-programing of a third of Americans... actually all of us... will take \*at least\* a generation of focused effort. We cannot expect results overnight. We are living in our own Cold War (we are tilting at windmills at this point.)

I'll leave the heavy lifting and strategizing to the experts, but a humane and thoughtful purge and realignment is definitely possible.

If bloodthirsty, soulless Germans can overcome their nazi inclinations, Americans can become decent, too.

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[famattjr](https://substack.com/profile/16373790-famattjr?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268341040 "May 31, 2026, 3:57 PM")

As Hyman Roth said to Michael in The Godfather, "this is the life we have chosen." All who voted for him knew, or should have known, what they were getting, so they got it good.

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[Kenneth Fry](https://substack.com/profile/33516168-kenneth-fry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268340833 "May 31, 2026, 3:56 PM")

“Obviously, we need to defang Trump as much as possible and make sure that neither he nor anybody who follows in his footsteps has power after the next two elections. But beyond that, we really need to do a thorough purging of the United States. We need a deMAGAfication. And I’m not going over the top by using a word that’s very similar to the denazification that we pursued successfully after World War II in Germany.”

Excellent view, Robert! Comparing the “deMAGAfication” to the “denaziifaction” of Germany is an excellent analogy, but with some glaring differences. Nazi Germany was basically bombed and mostly destroyed when WW2 ended. It was a totally defeated and ruined nation, that was physically divided into four zones. Three of these zones (British, French, and American) combined to form what was West Germany. The Russian zone split off to form what was Communist East Germany. After the Berlin Wall came down in on November 9, 1989, Germany reunited after forty-five years. The U.S. is NOT a defeated nation that his been bombed or destroyed. WE are the ones doing the bombing and destroying that is part of an internal act of attempted suicide. I would compare the U.S. now more to Weimar Germany in, say, 1933-35. This was during the rise of Hitler and the Nazis when they were consolidating their power. Remember, Hitler, like Trump, assumed power legally. We still have some time. If the midterms go our way, then we may avoid what happened to Nazi Germany in WW2. If they do not, then a repeat of Nazi Germany, with American characteristics, is a probability and maybe unavoidable.

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[Don B](https://substack.com/profile/250163773-don-b?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268354621 "May 31, 2026, 4:26 PM")

Robert?

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[Kenneth Fry](https://substack.com/profile/33516168-kenneth-fry?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268454750 "May 31, 2026, 8:29 PM")

I goofed! I get two newsletters. One from Robert Reich and another from Paul Krugman. Got these two switched. My mistake. I should have said "Excellent view, PAUL". Good catch!

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[Don B](https://substack.com/profile/250163773-don-b?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268456775 "May 31, 2026, 8:35 PM")

I had a feeling that you might have been referring to Robert Reich (who I also follow!).

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[Lou Hoffman](https://substack.com/profile/9457029-lou-hoffman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268339418 "May 31, 2026, 3:53 PM")

Your Vote Matters

Real change starts with you. This November, your vote is more than a choice—it’s a statement about the country you want. Voting helps determine whether Congress reclaims its role, the Supreme Court is accountable, and our institutions remain fair. These challenges require citizens demanding a government that serves everyone—not just the powerful.

Voting is the foundation of democracy. As Mark Twain said, patriotism means supporting your country all the time and your government when it deserves it. Vote for a government that earns your trust—one that listens, reforms, and stays accountable. Your voice is your power—use it.

Looking Forward

The challenges facing American democracy are serious, but so is the potential for positive change. History shows that engaged citizens have always been the driving force behind reform. By staying informed, taking action, and voting for candidates who value transparency, accountability, and justice, we can build a government that truly reflects the will of the people. The future is shaped by those who show up—be one of them

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[Arnold Banner](https://substack.com/profile/331371075-arnold-banner?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268338747 "May 31, 2026, 3:52 PM")

That's pretty plain speaking! It is remarkable that the US could have produced an 'executive' with so much power yet so vulnerable to takeover. Our normal fear would be takeover by a clever person, disguising his real motives. Lo and behold! We are taken over by a buffoon - plainly telling all voters just who he is, and showing it to be so for 4 years. THEN they go and elect the convicted criminal AGAIN! So Paul, it's not just that trump is demented; it is that the US electorate CHOSE THIS MAN A SECOND TIME!! The country is demented.

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[Florence](https://substack.com/profile/320657417-florence?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268338622 "May 31, 2026, 3:51 PM")

Also the trouble now, is that probably, things have gone so far that those protecting Trump and his family, fear the repercutions on themselves if they stop doing so... S they're probably quite desperate too.

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[Kathleen Westman](https://substack.com/profile/21873119-kathleen-westman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268338439 "May 31, 2026, 3:51 PM")

Yes mentally ill - thank you for stating what we all are saying together w friends and family

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[Jaim Klein](https://substack.com/profile/33345707-jaim-klein?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268332544 "May 31, 2026, 3:38 PM")

Krugman, you are unfair. President Trump is under tremendous pressure. He was shot in the ear, and assassins are circling the White House. The Iran war is not going well, and the Europeans are rebelling. He orders a cease-fire, and Iran ignores him; Israel keeps shooting. It is difficult to manage in this situation. He is the best President by far.

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[Jen](https://substack.com/profile/9562628-jen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268331910 "May 31, 2026, 3:37 PM")

Mentally Ill President. Yes, severely mentally ill. I know this, but thank you for the validation. SO much of today's discourse is gaslighting and whitewashing.

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[Frans Henraat](https://substack.com/profile/310797368-frans-henraat?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268330862 "May 31, 2026, 3:35 PM")

A Pol Pot moment for the USA.

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[Giuliana Reed](https://substack.com/profile/4898644-giuliana-reed?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268329126 "May 31, 2026, 3:31 PM")

Yes. All of this is true and powerfully laid out. My most immediate worry is that all those billionaires (and wannabe billionaires) and the tech bros are going to help rig the coming midterms. I’ve never been a conspiracy theorist but I do think the’24 election was rigged. Trump is desperate to not lose Congress and will resort you anything to keep the GOP majority. He’s already won the redistricting battle, is trying to screw up the vote count, and succeeded in making it unlawful to give food and water in places where voting lines are long. Meanwhile the Dems continue to clutch their pearls. THE SITUATION IS DIRE. I’m not kidding. And I’m not a woman given to hysteria. Yes, our country has eroded into a country driven by greed and absent of any moral ground.

I hope that voters can find a way to vote their representatives that show no moral backbone and are NOT representing their constituents OUT OF OFFICE. THIS ELECTION IS CRITICAL!

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[Shawn K. Younkin](https://substack.com/profile/8417693-shawn-k-younkin?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268326733 "May 31, 2026, 3:26 PM")

We also have to look at the failures of the Dems in how we got here. They tried to hold Reagan accountable, but then they all lost their spines and when bush the lesser was committing war crimes, Pelosi literally ran on "impeachment is off the table". How much money has she made in the stock market, how much have others made in the stock market making sure they didn't rock the boat?

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[Cherie](https://substack.com/profile/99673685-cherie?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268322074 "May 31, 2026, 3:16 PM")

I will never forgive the white southerners who voted for this monster. The worst thing is, they were voting for someone who is just like them - racist, misogynistic, greedy, amoral, and fundamentally sociopathic. Good Americans finally need to come to grips with the fact that at least 33% of Americans are truly awful people, who are usually also below-average in intelligence. Most of them will go for a big-daddy strongman every time, if given the opportunity. I also despise the northern and western equivalent to the southerners, the right-wing nutjobs (usually the rural types). All we can do in response is concentrate on voter turnout and voter education. We know that RW media goads their followers into voting against their own interests, all the time, since around 1990. We must fight against that by prodding the disaffected non-voters into voting for the candidates who WILL UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION.

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[Elvi](https://substack.com/profile/17550003-elvi?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268316496 "May 31, 2026, 3:05 PM")

Plain talk, much appreciated.

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[NinaPatterson](https://substack.com/profile/102818532-ninapatterson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268315066 "May 31, 2026, 3:02 PM")

Thank you- these seem to be dangerous times!

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[Potter](https://substack.com/profile/55658090-potter?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[May 31](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/268443391 "May 31, 2026, 8:00 PM")

ARE!

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[Lisa Sands](https://substack.com/profile/31399692-lisa-sands?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[1h](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/281920145 "Jun 24, 2026, 10:18 AM")

Why or why is this madman, and the sycophants behind him, not impeached! I keep asking this and darn it, get to it. Now.

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[The Goddess Bast](https://substack.com/profile/139467801-the-goddess-bast?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280538364 "Jun 22, 2026, 1:35 AM")

Anyone who doesn't stand up to Trump either;

\- agrees with him/ wants to be like him/ is like him.

\- is blackmailed by him

\- is bribed by him

\- is afraid that they or their family is going to get hurt or killed by one of his sycophants

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280529194 "Jun 22, 2026, 12:56 AM")

He is absolutely an evil POS. He grew up surrounded by Nazi philosophy and studied under some professors with this same doctrine. He believes humanity should be ruled/enslaved by an elite group. Look up his background. He is frightening.

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[Rochelle Coleman](https://substack.com/profile/7486090-rochelle-coleman?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[2d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/280509371 "Jun 21, 2026, 11:38 PM")

"All through history there have been tyrants and murderers and for a while they seem invincible. But in the end they always fail. Think of that, always." Gandhi.

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[Judith Van Herik](https://substack.com/profile/131569254-judith-van-herik?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[4d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/279535313 "Jun 20, 2026, 4:14 AM")

I keep thinking of Melania telling an assistant/friend, when people were begging him to stop the January 6 awfulness and asking her to ask him. Reportedly (I most definitely was not in the room) She said No. And, chillingly, I know who I married.

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[Jim Duffey](https://substack.com/profile/120642667-jim-duffey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[5d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/279244105 "Jun 19, 2026, 2:21 PM")

Thank you Paul krugman. Ponzi Trumpty is soon going to fall. Maybe fall before Fall, coming soon.

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[John O'Connor](https://substack.com/profile/10297324-john-oconnor?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[5d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/279051783 "Jun 19, 2026, 8:38 AM")

Don't fix blame, fix the problem.

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[Monterey](https://substack.com/profile/58169144-monterey?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[6d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/278826221 "Jun 18, 2026, 8:17 PM")

This is hilarious propaganda. Joe Biden was non compos mentis for 4 years in office and his wife and vice president and e

Kamala had to pretend he wasn't-- Even though the rest of us watched Biden shake hands with air, not even know where he was walking, and speak unintelligibly too many times to count. I bet krugman never mentioned anything about it once during Biden's term in the oval office. But now he says this. This is how they control the base.

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[anita sullivan](https://substack.com/profile/664918-anita-sullivan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[6d](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/278444695 "Jun 18, 2026, 8:01 AM")

isn't this what happened with Reagan?

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[Judith Gibson-Brooks](https://substack.com/profile/487092450-judith-gibson-brooks?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 15](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/276871322 "Jun 15, 2026, 2:58 PM")

I don’t see any cold feet. Money and Power override sound reasoning. What I have been proposing all over internet, is STOP POSTING HIS FACE. He loves it! Blank it out. In 2016 I started spelling his name tRump because I couldn’t bear to give him any positive attention.

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[Wm Scott Norris](https://substack.com/profile/360314046-wm-scott-norris?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 14](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275973939 "Jun 14, 2026, 2:07 AM")

What a load of TDS

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[Michelle](https://substack.com/profile/39655751-michelle?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 13](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275923908 "Jun 13, 2026, 10:50 PM")

so we'll said..at least two elections out..I think more..these white supremist idiots can never get in power again.. yep..inconvenient..I wish I was younger..I'd be in the front lines.. we need to find our American heritage strength and combine with the original peoples of the world.. the spiritual people..we need to come together..and rise!

thank you for your information.. and inspiration..

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[George M](https://substack.com/profile/6975240-george-m?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 13](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275795283 "Jun 13, 2026, 5:02 PM")

"Purge" is the exact word that should spur voters from here on out. When and if the blue dominate congress, it will be time to act, but now is the time to plan, to prepare agenda and priorities. As Project Drawdown sets priorities about the environment and pollution, Ds should consider where is the worst harm being allowed? What are the remedies that can have the best effects soonest? What would quick impeachment accomplish, in terms of rousing Rs?

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[Beverly Hill](https://substack.com/profile/638094-beverly-hill?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 13](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275618838 "Jun 13, 2026, 10:58 AM")

He’s downright evil and revels on cruelty

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[Judith Gustafson](https://substack.com/profile/280787746-judith-gustafson?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 12](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275331597 "Jun 12, 2026, 7:47 PM")

You're going to give tRump an out from serving time for his crimes--it's called mental defect. I wish people would quit saying he's crazy. He has always been a narcissistic jerk who enjoys seeing people suffer. ARTICLE II SECTION 4 allows for impeachment and removal of any federal officer or member of the judiciary for bribery, treason, or other high crimes or misdemeanors. We the People need to use the power of this constitutional mechanism to oust each and every person in the cabinet and the President. 25th Amendment isn't good enough. They ALL need to serve time for what they have done.

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[Nancy Taylor](https://substack.com/profile/399605246-nancy-taylor?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 12](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/275309536 "Jun 12, 2026, 6:52 PM")

True that’s my thoughts exactly!!! That’s why we have to get rid of the lot of them. Then I start thinking what will replace this ? I pray we learn from what we are going through and make sure we are smart enough to see clearly not to get in a worse situation. We must be very cautious!!!‼️‼️‼️‼️

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[I Think, Therefore, AI Am](https://substack.com/profile/6352260-i-think-therefore-ai-am?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 12](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/274856583 "Jun 12, 2026, 1:24 AM")

I don't blame Russell Vought OR Mitch McConnell — even thought they're both odious, gutless people. I blame Mark Burnett, the TV producer who created "The Apprentice" and pulled this abject failure of a "businessman" out of his cesspool of a career and recast him as a "boardroom genius" — a TV version of BeelzeBoob that was more myth than audited business reality. You might recall that in 2019, Burnett and BB supposedly discussed a post-presidency show tentatively called "The Apprentice: White House." It reportedly would have been a politics-themed version produced after BB left office, using his presidency as the premise. The original report came from The Daily Beast and was later picked up by Vanity Fair, among others.

BeelzeBoob has been reenacting "The Apprentice" the entire time he's been in the White House. (Interesting side note: In late 2024, he appointed Burnett as a special envoy to the U.K.). BB is a complete idiot enabled by self-serving cowards. Vote out the cowards that pander to him, stop giving him media attention, and he will shrivel up into his own micro-penis and disappear in disgrace.

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[Linda](https://substack.com/profile/11150355-linda?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 11](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/274438130 "Jun 11, 2026, 9:52 AM")

Exactly. Thanks.

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[Zizi Roberts](https://substack.com/profile/1643035-zizi-roberts?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 11](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/274252159 "Jun 11, 2026, 12:03 AM")

Trump isn't the only mentally ill person in the West Wing, Congress, The Supreme Court, or The Pentagon. Fact: Multi-billionaires are hoarders. Hoardability Kills Affordability. TAX THE RICH. ALL PRIVATE DONATIONS TO PUBLIC ELECTIONS MUST CEASE.

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[Juanita Tucker](https://substack.com/profile/23482773-juanita-tucker?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273659860 "Jun 9, 2026, 11:55 PM")

They are benefiting from his mental illness and at the same time putting our country and citizens at extreme risk!

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[Jen](https://substack.com/profile/384911663-jen?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 9](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273372582 "Jun 9, 2026, 1:18 PM")

The problem is is that you have people that are so dedicated to him are willing to look the other way , whether he's red handed or not. it's like a collective consciousness where people just are not willing in any way to even listen to the opposing side , whether they agree or not , they're not even willing to listen

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[EMc2](https://substack.com/profile/309914903-emc2?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 8](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273052575 "Jun 8, 2026, 11:19 PM")

The ROBERTS SCOTUS is ultra CORRUPT

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[EMc2](https://substack.com/profile/309914903-emc2?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 8](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/273052329 "Jun 8, 2026, 11:18 PM")

pretty wild to watch all the news networks except for Fox talk about how disruptive from attendances, and they claim that the left is angry at him for attending the game and he loves America

It’s kind of like Fox has become the new Soviet TASS news agency

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[Guy Keenan](https://substack.com/profile/19829066-guy-keenan?utm_source=substack-feed-item)

[Jun 8](https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/learning-from-a-mentally-ill-president/comment/272663145 "Jun 8, 2026, 9:56 AM")

Read the

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