The focus on the psychology of Donald Trump in Session Three held people’s interest, not only by its topicality but also a shared understanding of Donald Trump as a complex, confusing and at times charismatic, at times obnoxious individual.
Two salient factors that contributed to the election of Trump as US President were his wealth and the skewed nature of the US electoral system. However, it was agreed that the nature of Trump as both an individual and a politician merited exploration. In other words, what made Trump who he is and what is his appeal for many American voters?
It became clear that his upbringing and the nature and personalities of his parents profoundly influenced Trump. He was a product of his environment, being someone who not only inherited wealth but also independently was successful in achieving “The Great American Dream”.
Trump’s Scottish-born mother was not a strong maternal force and exhibited narcissistic characteristics, while his father has been described as “a high-functioning sociopath.” Donald idolised his father, who was controlling and emotionally unavailable and who groomed Donald in his own image. Consequently, Donald Trump experienced emotional disruption as a child, which is reflected in how he sees himself and engages with the world.
A number of reasons were outlined to explain why many voters supported Trump, covering bribery, aspects of past policies, the economy, military spending, border control, and, significantly, Trump’s canny use of perception, successfully targeting people’s fears.
The stimulating discussion highlighted the role of ego and narcissism in leadership styles.
Barbara Rogers/Jane Rushworth
Two salient factors that contributed to the election of Trump as US President were his wealth and the skewed nature of the US electoral system. However, it was agreed that the nature of Trump as both an individual and a politician merited exploration. In other words, what made Trump who he is and what is his appeal for many American voters?
It became clear that his upbringing and the nature and personalities of his parents profoundly influenced Trump. He was a product of his environment, being someone who not only inherited wealth but also independently was successful in achieving “The Great American Dream”.
Trump’s Scottish-born mother was not a strong maternal force and exhibited narcissistic characteristics, while his father has been described as “a high-functioning sociopath.” Donald idolised his father, who was controlling and emotionally unavailable and who groomed Donald in his own image. Consequently, Donald Trump experienced emotional disruption as a child, which is reflected in how he sees himself and engages with the world.
A number of reasons were outlined to explain why many voters supported Trump, covering bribery, aspects of past policies, the economy, military spending, border control, and, significantly, Trump’s canny use of perception, successfully targeting people’s fears.
The stimulating discussion highlighted the role of ego and narcissism in leadership styles.
Barbara Rogers/Jane Rushworth
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