Trump ‘losing his grip on reality’: 'Art of the Deal' writer

A writer who has known Donald Trump for three decades believes the US president is “losing his grip on reality.”

Tony Schwartz, the ghostwriter of Trump's 1987 Art of the Deal memoir, made the remarks in an interview with MSNBC on Wednesday.

“But what it means in simple terms is he’s losing his grip on reality,” Schwartz told the MSNBC host when asked about Trump’s claim that the notorious “Access Hollywood” tape may not be real.

“His reality testing is really poor and I believe that’s exactly what’s going on,” Schwartz added.

The writer said he has witnessed “a dramatic change” in Trump since the time he and the billionaire co-authored the book in 1987.

“He is more limited in his vocabulary. He is further from as I say- this connection to what is factual and real. He is more impulsive. He is more reactive. This is a guy in deep trouble,” Schwartz stated.

Several hosts from the Access Hollywood show have disputed Trump's claim that the 2005 tape where he boasted about sexually assaulting women was fake.

Trump was recorded during a taping for a Access Hollywood segment bragging about his ability to grope women because he's "a star." According to The New York Times, Trump has expressed doubt about the authenticity of the video.

In the hours after the video was revealed in October 2016, then-candidate Trump acknowledged he made the lewd comments and apologized.

At least two dozen women have come forward since the video was released, accusing Trump of inappropriate sexual behavior.

White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Monday the president stands by his original apology for his remarks recorded by the infamous video.

Sanders also said that Trump’s position hasn't changed in the days after The New York Times reported the president had privately questioned the tape's authenticity.

In the MSNBC interview, Schwartz also said that many Trump administration officials are “hostages to a cult leader.”

“When you watch Sarah Huckabee Sanders right now, you really feel as if you’re watching somebody who is being brainwashed, or has been brainwashed,” he said.

In August, Schwartz predicted Trump will resign from office before the end of the year.

“The circle is closing at blinding speed. Trump is going to resign and declare victory before Mueller and Congress leave him no choice," Schwartz tweeted on August 17.

"Trump must be isolated. Resistance every day. The end is near but must keep pressure high," he added.

"Trump's presidency is effectively over. Would be amazed if he survives till end of the year. More likely resigns by fall, if not sooner,” he continued.

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller along with several congressional committees are investigating whether the Russian government coordinated with Trump's associates during the 2016 campaign and transition, accusations both Trump and Moscow have denied.

Mueller has also impaneled a grand jury, meaning he is allowed to subpoena officials and get sworn testimony which may lead to criminal indictments. He has already started interviewing current and former administration officials as part of his investigation into Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Trump has condemned the investigation into possible collusion between his election campaign and Russia as the “greatest witch hunt” in the US history.

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