Trump's 'Erratic Behavior' Spiraling Out of Control as War Rages, Biographer Says

Michael Wolff, who has written four books about the president, warns that Trump's mental state is 'dangerous' and detached from reality.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 10:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A pensive, solitary figure of President Trump sitting alone in the Oval Office, the warm light and deep shadows creating a cinematic, melancholic mood that reflects the president's apparent cognitive decline and detachment from the unfolding crisis.As Trump's grip on reality slips, his administration struggles to contain the fallout from an escalating international conflict.Minneapolis Today

According to author Michael Wolff, who has written extensively about President Trump, the 79-year-old's 'erratic behavior' and 'foul-mouthed outbursts' are escalating as the war in Iran spirals out of control and Trump struggles to respond. Wolff says Trump is 'more and more distinct from, cut-off from, separate from reality' and that 'something is seriously off here and dangerous'.

Why it matters

Wolff's assessment of Trump's mental state and decision-making raises serious concerns about the president's ability to effectively manage an ongoing international crisis, with potential consequences for the global economy and stability.

The details

Wolff, who was granted access to the White House during Trump's first term, says the president's 'erratic behavior' has become 'faster and more furious' in recent weeks, likely prompted by the failing war in Iran and Trump's inability to find a way out. Wolff also cites Trump's collapsing popularity, his usual 'blustering tactics' proving useless against Iran, and a 'whole set of other things' like the economy and his 'dimwit' aides as factors contributing to Trump's mental decline.

  • In the past number of weeks, Trump's erratic behavior has become 'faster and more furious'.
  • Trump was re-elected to a second term in 2024.

The players

Michael Wolff

An author who has written four books about President Trump and had access to the White House during Trump's first term.

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old President of the United States, whose 'erratic behavior' and mental state are the focus of Wolff's concerns.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“'We have seen 10 years of erratic behavior, but I think it is coming faster and more furious in these past number of weeks, probably prompted by the war, which is going terribly, of course, and he doesn't know what to do, and he doesn't know how to get out of it.'”

— Michael Wolff, Author

“'But also, I think, prompted by a whole set of other things — Minneapolis, ICE, the failing economy, the dimwits that surround him, which he has now been forced to fire. So I think he is in a corner, and that has meant he's flailing out erratically.'”

— Michael Wolff, Author

“'There is every reason to believe, and for every reasonable person to believe, that something is seriously off here and dangerous.'”

— Michael Wolff, Author

The takeaway

Wolff's assessment of Trump's deteriorating mental state and erratic behavior during an ongoing international crisis raises serious concerns about the president's ability to effectively lead and make sound decisions, with potentially grave consequences for the country and the world.