“I’m confidant in saying we’ve never had a psychopath in the Oval Office before!” Vince Greenwood Ph.D.
What would happen if the most powerful man in the country were in the throes of a personality condition that left him only a few cards to play—manifested by a limited, precise, and implacable set of destructive personality traits—that inevitably inflict harm and havoc on all those in his orbit? Clinical psychologist Vince Greenwood answers these and more question in his forensic-style book Puppet On A String – Trump Is Ruled by an Ominous Psychological Condition.
“Psychopaths/malignant narcissists are utterly insensitive to the threat of punishment. The daily struggle 99% of us have between “I want” (what’s in it for me) and “I should” (weighing that impulse against deeper values or concern for others) just doesn’t take place with the psychopath. At an emotional level, there is nothing there to curb their selfish, cruel, or immoral tendencies.” writes Dr. Greenwood.
Because of his impulsivity, Trump can’t help but:
Act quickly without considering the consequences
Take huge risks since he craves sensation-seeking
Continue to display no aptitude for governance, and
Fail to plan or persevere with any substantive task
Because of his drive to dominate Trump can’t help but:
Lie with impunity to get others to bend to his will Demand fealty from others
Engage in frantic efforts to avoid loss of status
Foment divisiveness and polarization, and
Privilege power and dominance over the welfare of others
Because of his remorselessness, Trump can’t help but:
Blithely ignore democratic norms, the tragedy of lost lives, or appeals from anyone to rein in his reckless and derelict behavior
Set any limits on his behavior since he is undaunted by the fear of punishment
Deflect all responsibility for any damage he may inflict.
Have no feeling of discomfort at the suffering of others, and
Be lax in his response to legitimate threats because of his inability to process emotions related to danger
In conclusion, like any diagnosed psychopath/malignant narcissist, Donald Trump has had to suffer a life devoid of love, depth, conscience, or any hope of self-discipline. It is a life incapable of developing a caring obligation toward others, incapable of remorse for callous or immoral behavior, and incapable of pursuing anything beyond his immediate self-interest.
All the information quoted here is courtesy of Vince Greenwood Ph.D.