Michael Wolff, a prominent biographer of former President Donald Trump, has raised concerns about Trump’s mental state as he navigates the waning days of his public life. According to Wolff, who claims to have numerous insider contacts from Trump’s time in the White House, the former president is grappling with an unsettling sense of decline.

Wolff described Trump as someone who thrives on attention, suggesting that the prospect of retreating into the background is vexing for him. “It’s all about attention,” he said during a recent podcast episode. “He can’t resist the idea of it, and the thought of someone else overshadowing him is simply unacceptable.”

Amid this struggle for relevance, Trump has organized a large-scale event in Dallas, which Wolff dubbed a “Trump-a-Palooza.” He speculated that this venture is not merely an attempt to energize his base but part of a broader strategy to assert his significance within the Republican Party.

Wolff articulated that former presidents typically enter what is referred to as the “long goodbye” phase during their second term, where potential successors begin to emerge. But Trump appears determined to disrupt this norm, insisting that he will not be marginalized.

“Trump does not want the Republican Party to imagine life without him,” Wolff stated, noting that the upcoming Dallas convention reflects this refusal to fade from the political scene.

In addition to his jealousy over losing the spotlight, Wolff suggested that Trump might be confronting his own mortality as he observes numerous celebrities, many of them much younger, passing away. “Eighty is a seriously mortal moment,” he remarked, alluding to Trump’s advanced age and health issues.

Wolff didn’t hold back in describing Trump’s physical state, pointing out that the former president is not only overweight but also leads a lifestyle that raises concerns about his longevity. “When you see people in your age group decline, it resonates deeply, especially for a 300-pound man who has never prioritized fitness,” Wolff added.

Yet, instead of acknowledging these fears, Trump appears to be doubling down on his loud persona. Wolff warned listeners that Trump’s so-called “cult of personality” may intensify as he grapples with his fading presence.

“He’s saying, ‘I’m not going to let the party, the country, or the world forget about me,’” Wolff continued. He highlighted how Trump’s talent lies in inserting himself into others’ lives and staying in their thoughts—no matter the cost.

Joanna Coles, co-hosting the podcast with Wolff, emphasized the extent to which Trump may be challenged by the commemorative events surrounding the 25th anniversary of 9/11. She noted that as other former presidents gather to honor the day, Trump will be absent, risking an overshadowing effect that could weigh heavily on his ego.

“How will he react to the 9/11 memorial, considering he won’t be there with other high-profile figures?” Coles pondered. The absence during such a poignant event could serve as a stark reminder of his political decline.

Wolff indicated that Trump’s drive to host his own event may very well be an attempt to upstage the anniversary of 9/11. “I can imagine him fretting over not being present at the memorial and trying to create a spectacle that’s more significant,” he said.

The conversation turned dark as Wolff discussed Trump’s propensity for distorting reality, exemplified by his claims of heroism during the 9/11 crisis—scenarios that were not substantiated by fact. “It’s unconscionable what he’s willing to say to keep himself in the limelight,” Wolff lamented.

As the political landscape shifts, the question remains: will Trump’s grasp on attention and relevance be enough to secure his continued prominence in the Republican Party? With each passing moment, Wolff’s insights suggest that Trump’s efforts may be more about fear of erasure than a genuine desire to lead.

The coming months may serve as a litmus test for Trump’s strategy; will he successfully reclaim his position in the spotlight or will he continue to grapple with the inevitabilities of time and age? Only time will tell whether this former president can maintain the grip he so desperately seeks.