Podcasts

Why Donald Trump's Comments On Mental Health And Gun Violence Are Concerning

Donald Trump has doubled down on comments he made linking mental health and gun violence. After the recent mass shootings in Texas and Ohio, the US president stated that he wanted to focus on mental illness to prevent gun violence, rather than gun control. Ian O'Grady, president of the Psychological Society of Ireland, joined us to explain why Trump's comments are "incorrect and simplistic". "It scapegoats a very vulnerable section of our society, and it would also have a very genuine negative impact on those who are seeking out or are currently receiving treatment for mental health difficulties." Questions have been raised about Trump's own mental health, particularly after a press conference this week in which he proclaimed himself "the chosen one". But Ian says it's unethical to put a diagnosis on someone without having met them. "I think people can be condemned for political decisions that they make, but judging decisions that they make through the lens of possible mental illness is unhelpful and also does a disservice to people who may themselves be undergoing treatment." Cal Thomas, a regular on The Last Word's weekly US slot, also joined us to discuss how Trump's "chosen one" remark has offended many Christians in the United States. "I think a lot of his language is political and designed to keep his opponents off balance." I don't think it's going to really harm his base, but recent polls show that his disapproval is at a record high. I think he need to correct that, and kind language and humility gets you a lot further than harsh language and insults." Listen to the interview in full by pressing the play button on this page. see more