I Am Part of the Resistance Inside the Trump Administration
It may be cold comfort in this chaotic era, but Americans should know that there are adults in the room. We fully recognize what is happening. And we are trying to do what’s right even when Donald Trump won’t.
The result is a two-track presidency.
Take foreign policy: In public and in private, President Trump shows a preference for autocrats and dictators, such as President Vladimir Putin of Russia and North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un, and displays little genuine appreciation for the ties that bind us to allied, like-minded nations.
Astute observers have noted, though, that the rest of the administration is operating on another track, one where countries like Russia are called out for meddling and punished accordingly, and where allies around the world are engaged as peers rather than ridiculed as rivals.
On Russia, for instance, the president was reluctant to expel so many of Mr. Putin’s spies as punishment for the poisoning of a former Russian spy in Britain. He complained for weeks about senior staff members letting him get boxed into further confrontation with Russia, and he expressed frustration that the United States continued to impose sanctions on the country for its malign behavior. But his national security team knew better — such actions had to be taken, to hold Moscow accountable.
This isn’t the work of the so-called deep state. It’s the work of the steady state.
Given the instability many witnessed, there were early whispers within the cabinet of invoking the 25th Amendment, which would start a complex process for removing the president. But no one wanted to precipitate a constitutional crisis.
Politics: Trump Shows Signs Of Psychopathology
The pundits are at a loss to explain Trump’s behavior. Obama said it’s not normal. Others said it’s Trump being Trump. My take: We are dealing with a psychopath who is extremely dangerous because of his power as POTUS.
Trump is on a rampage because of the above anonymous Op-Ed piece was presumably written by a high-ranking White House official. The content should alarm Americans and international leaders; however, the focus is a witch hunt to identify the writer. Doesn’t it concern Americans that we live in a democratic republic yet an official within Trump’s administration was too fearful to express his concerns to the president or to speak publicly? Doesn’t Trump’s response alarm Americans? Trump wants the attorney general and the department of justice to go on a witch hunt to unmask this person.
The anonymous WH official is not alone in expressing concern that Trump is a national security threat to this country. Several have written books sounding the alarm about Trump. I believe Bob Woodward’s book,
Fear: Trump in the White House
is due out next week. How many people familiar with the administration need to express concern about Trump’s mental health, ethics, and competence before he is forced to undergo an independent medical and psychological evaluation at the very least?
People within the Trump White House know Trump is not fit to be President. So who are the people making the “right” decisions for Trump?
The pundits don’t realize to understand Trump they need to think like a psychopath. Of course, Trump thinks the attorney general should investigate his adversaries or political opponents. But that is not because Trump doesn’t understand the general principles of the US government or the constitution, it’s because he is a psychopath with too much power who now believes he is the supreme ruler that no one should defy. Take a look at Table 1 and think about Trump.
Trump needs a psychological evaluation. Psychopathy is a constellation of symptoms that begin in early childhood. It is surprisingly more common than most think. According to the NIH, it is twice as common as schizophrenia, anorexia, and bipolar disorder. It is as common as obsessive-compulsive personality disorder and panic disorder. Psychopaths can be incredibly charismatic, but they lack empathy or a conscience and can be very volatile and manipulative. They don’t accept responsibility for their actions unless doing so gets them what they desire. They are pathological liars. Also, they are promiscuous and often have many marital and extra-marital relationships. They are impulsive, lead parasitic lives, and show poor self-control.
If Trump loves America and wants to make it great, shouldn’t he reassure Americans of his mental health?
Table 1
The 20 Items Listed on the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (Hare 1991; 2003)
The items corresponding to the early two-factor conceptualization of psychopathy,89 subsequent three-factor model,90 and current four-factor model are listed.91 The two-factor model labels are Interpersonal-Affective (Factor 1) and Social Deviance (Factor 2); the three-factor model labels are Arrogant and Deceitful Interpersonal Style (Factor 1); Deficient Affective Experience (Factor 2), and Impulsive and Irresponsible Behavioral Style (Factor 3); the four-factor model labels are Interpersonal (Factor 1), Affective (Factor 2), Lifestyle (Factor 3), and Antisocial (Factor 4). Items indicated with “–” did not load on any factor.
|
Item |
2 Factor Model |
3 Factor |
4 Factor |
|
|
1 |
Glibness-Superficial Charm |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
2 |
Grandiose Sense of Self Worth |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
3 |
Need for Stimulation |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
4 |
Pathological Lying |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
5 |
Conning-Manipulative |
1 |
1 |
1 |
|
6 |
Lack of Remorse or Guilt |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
7 |
Shallow Affect |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
8 |
Callous-Lack of Empathy |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
9 |
Parasitic Lifestyle |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
10 |
Poor Behavioral Controls |
2 |
— |
4 |
|
11 |
Promiscuous Sexual Behavior |
— |
— |
— |
|
12 |
Early Behavioral Problems |
2 |
— |
4 |
|
13 |
Lack of Realistic, Long-Term Goals |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
14 |
Impulsivity |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
15 |
Irresponsibility |
2 |
3 |
3 |
|
16 |
Failure to Accept Responsibility |
1 |
2 |
2 |
|
17 |
Many Marital Relationships |
— |
— |
— |
|
18 |
Juvenile Delinquency |
2 |
— |
4 |
|
19 |
Revocation of Conditional Release |
2 |
— |
4 |
|
20 |
Criminal Versatility |
— |
— |
4 |
Source of the table: THE CRIMINAL PSYCHOPATH: HISTORY, NEUROSCIENCE, TREATMENT, AND ECONOMICS https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4059069/
Dear Angela,
I´m almost convinced that Trump is a Psychopath, but I´m sure that Hillary Clinton is not less of a Psychopath! See also
„News about Clinton – The Lady Likes to Laugh!“ https://wipokuli.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/news-about-clinton-the-lady-likes-to-laugh/
And her think tank supporters are definitely racists and fascists:
“A Reminder: Neocon Think Tanks and Fascism”: https://wipokuli.wordpress.com/2017/06/29/a-reminder-neocon-think-tanks-and-fascism-zur-erinnerung-neocon-think-tanks-und-faschismus/
Cordial wekend regards
Andreas
Hi Andreas, I agree Hillary was a crook but she’s not POTUS. Almost convinced? Trump is not only a threat to America’s national security but a threat to the world.
But don´t forget, Clinton think tank neocon buddies are dreaming of Bio Race War against the Black world!
Hugs
Trump won the election unfairly, making the legality of his presidency questionable. He is president not Clinton so I’m worried about him.
Hi Angela. Like Andreas I think Hillary Clinton is a psychopath, what is known as a ‘charismatic psychopath’, sub-type ‘political psychopath’. I also fear Obama too was, despite his immensely friendly persona. However, the vast majority of psychopaths are not dangerous and can function very effectively in society.
Can Trump though? That is the question. Some think, since he became the POTUS, he might be showing signs of early dementia. Therefore for that alone he should be given an honest and transparent medical/physical (not like the one he had before he took up the presidency).
Will the medical/physical discover if he is a psychopath? Probably not for two reasons I think: (1) psychopathy isn’t, despite the above table, an exact science and neither is narcissism; so when I called the others psychopaths it is a generalisation that is hard to prove; and (2) I honestly don’t think Trump is anti-social, I really mean that. From what I can see is nothing as unpleasant as people I’ve known. I don’t even think he’s a maleovent narcissist for the same reason. He is more what my Scottish cousins call a ‘chancer’, a spiv-like dodgy businessman who might be what is known as an ‘unscrupulous narcissist’ but not necessary dangerous. And as for the Hitler comparison, well I think he’s more like Mussolini (even down to his facial expressions and the way he stomps about), plus deeply offensive to the millions killed because of Hitler himself.
If I’m wrong, as many were about Hitler in the years before 1939, then so be it. That is, though, my honest opinion.
Which brings me on to Putin. I see it very differently from American liberals, though I certainly do not like your conservatives. What I see is Trump the patriotic businessman who is not interested (or trained/experienced in diplomacy and geopolitics), who just wants to MAGA. And he has had significant success: better economy, more and better jobs, even more for Black people, modern technology such as robotics really taking off and almost complete self-sufficiency in food and mineral mining. That was his remit with his voters and that is what he’s done. Even with spending half each working week playing golf he has done multiple more things than Obama et al. And he’s made peace with North Korea, less supporting of Israel, and so far caused no more strife in Syria nor attacked Iran. The World seems actually safer to me thanks to Trump.
Do I like him as a man? Not at all; and he wouldn’t likely like me either. What about Putin? I think Trump simply wants to avoid a war with him. Even Russia’s biggest hydrogen bomb alone is enough to destroy this planet. He at least knows that. Putin is not our problem, the menace in this world comes from the hegemonic US Government whether Democratic or Republican.
So i’m sorry to disagree that Trump is a danger, though he much needs guidance in complex statesmanship matters. I just wished it wasn’t from the war hawks such as the recently deceased John McCain, but from politicos that will ensure a safer Earth.
Dear Pete,
see also:
“US „Schizophrenia“ is the Symptom of War Within the US Power Elite”: https://wipokuli.wordpress.com/2018/08/13/us-schizophrenia-is-the-symptom-of-war-within-the-us-power-elite-die-us-schizophrenie-ist-symptom-des-krieges-innerhalb-der-us-machtelite/
Weekend regards
Pete,
When people think of the term antisocial they imagine an antagonistic, obnoxious, and hostile person. However, anti-social people come in different flavors. Psychopaths are very interesting because they have mastered the art of charming people in their social circles. They know how to select gullible targets to be their loyal servants. While shrewd their narcissism and lack of empathy expose them.
As in most psychiatric disorders, there are specific tests or checklists to make the diagnosis. The diagnosis can be made; however, there is no effective treatment. But we do agree that he should have a psychological evaluation for different reasons. He certainly is at risk for dementia.
As for him being a good president for black people, you must have taken the pastors seriously. He has done nothing for black people. Black people are more afraid now than we were under Obama. Job, where are the jobs. I know I’m struggling and just about every black person I talk is struggling to make ends meet, not the same with whites. That is not to say white people aren’t struggling too.
What makes Trump dangerous is that he can convince people like you that he is a decent human being. When he does evil things people make excuses for him. There are still children separated from their families.
You could predict Trump’s behavior if you viewed his actions through the lens of a psychopath with power.
Hi Angela, such a well-written counter argument that, in respect of your logic and civility, I won’t argue and instead hope you’re wrong for all our sakes.
We agree Trump has mental issues that demand an independent medical and psychological evaluation.
The only way to get that is to invoke the 25th amendment. Even if that was used he could reclaim the office in a few months and could only be removed by a two-thirds vote of the senate. The votes are not there at this time. They may be there later.
Hi Old Guy, thanks for your comments. Trump showed us the loopholes in the constitution. We need to insist Congress closes them after the upcoming elections.
I don’t think you will need a Senate that is 2/3 Democrats to impeach Trump. If mid-term elections are a resounding defeat for Trump, Republicans will vote to impeach to him if only to preserve their position.
If their main donors tell them to vote to remote Trump from office they will do it. Or if the polls get low enough, but the senators listen to their donors more than to the polls.
Polls can be manipulated. The context, framing and order of questions influence responses independent of content.
I don’t like using labels to describe people. I think psychologists would do better to talk about and treat symptoms. That makes more sense. Some doctors have brain scans if people described as psychopaths that show certain parts of the brain do not work well. So far they do not know how to treat those people.
Trump shows the traits you desvribe. That is obvious to his supporters. The options we have to deal with him are limited. Congressmen listen to their major donors these days more than they follow the polls. If those donors decide he has served their purpose and is dangerous Trump will be impeached and convicted by the senate. We are not there yet but may get there. They like what he has done with government regulations and the tax cut. Those were their main goals. They don’t like the tariffs. So far the stocks are going up and the big corporations are making money. And we are not at war. So there is no movement among those who furnish the money to get rid of him.
Many people who have the brain scans and symptoms of psychopaths live normal law abiding quiet lives and are successful. I don’t think he will do anything to start a war. To me that is what he would do that was dangerous. But that is just my opinion.
When I started the clinical section in medical school, I had problems with psychology and its use of labels. It was a delicate balance, so I share your dislike for labels. With that said, many psychopaths do live normal lives doing sick shit to their selected impressionable targets. Psychopaths take pleasure in human suffering especially if they caused it.
Trump is a threat to national security because of his position. He can be manipulated by appealing to his narcissistic ego and greed for attention. A person who doesn’t feel remorse is a dangerous person.
As a middle-of-the-road/none-of-the-above kind of guy, who did cast a vote for Trump in 2016 (this is not the time or place to explain why because it just isn’t that interesting, nor am I going to apologize for seeing/thinking what I saw/thought back then — for one thing I almost didn’t vote at all, plus I happen to live in one of the reddest of states, etc, etc, so basically my vote doesn’t really matter, closer to a joke than a decisive factor), a mere couple days ago I decided to swing back to Blue.
It has never surprised me that a con artist would occupy the oval office though I was genuinely surprised that this particular con artist made it there. Actually I don’t often keep up with the news, maybe check in a few times per year, so I honestly can’t discuss what’s going on in the world. My preferred interests are in creative writing, playing the guitar, and learning to draw and enjoying beautiful scenery.
However, I did check in lately, primarily learning more about the alliance of the Trump Admin with what polite terms would call the End Times Religious element. Watched some videos on youtube about how trump is doing battle with satanic forces and stuff, and that anyone who is not fully with trump is an enemy of god and all that is good and righteous. It’s pretty fucking creepy and scary… creepy and scary enough to realize I was definitely in the wrong party, since the truth is, probably 90% of Trump’s base would hate my guts. And that’s dang peachy by me.
Hi seeker, Trump is undoubtedly the pathological liar. The recent New York Times report is a real shocker. It’s not getting much coverage, but essentially Trump is a poser. What’s scary is that he’s wealthier than we imagined in term of the sheer magnitude of his powerful connections from birth. Through tax fraud, Trump’s father assured his stature among the elite. Trump is a member of the shadow government he claimed he would eliminate and he was not a self-made billionaire.
Just think bigger lies await us.
Look, a New York billionaire real estate mogul, gaining wealth ethically or unethically… one shouldn’t be surprised if several nefarious characters came and went along the way. Personally, I vaguely recall seeing him in the news way back when but there was little about him to pique my curiosity/interest. Never was interested in watching or learning about stuff like ‘lifestyles of the rich and famous’. And you know, con artists, and decent and indecent leaders come and go; humans can be brutal beasts or heart-breakingly peaceable; lots of different personalities played all kinds of roles across the ages. Still, what baffles me is the notion that many are taken with that he is doing the lord’s work. Maybe, just maybe, though it sounds crazy, we are witnessing an insane, grand-scale, puppet show, sponsored by a vodka company or few?
Oh and you can call me Tim. I’ve been messing with these blogs and stuff for several years and still haven’t nailed down a title/name I like much.
Nice to meet you, Angela.
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Hi Tim, wonderful to meet you.
“Still, what baffles me is the notion that many are taken with that he is doing the lord’s work. Maybe, just maybe, though it sounds crazy, we are witnessing an insane, grand-scale, puppet show, sponsored by a vodka company or few?” I don’t think that’s crazy given the backdrop of insanity we witnessed since Trump started his run for POTUS and that only gotten worse when he won.
I believe the religious undertones are part of the cult-like culture Trump is building. It’s almost to the point that if Trump told his followers to slit their throats, I believe they would, and they certainly would slit other people’s if asked.
Trump is not academically smart, but he’s street smart, and I feel a psychopath. He seems to communicate with his base through different channels using popular terms or cliques as code or triggers. It kind of like Pavlov conditioning. He doesn’t need people like Michael Cohen anymore to do the dirty work he now has an army of mindless followers conditioned to do his bidding.
pure speculation on my part: maybe one of the channels involves people who’ve been paid/trained to play the part of ‘prophets’ who get on youtube to push the narrative about trump being chosen by god?
this is not speculation but can be easily found: they even say outright that this is no longer about left-right but good vs evil.
back to speculation: this didn’t come out of nowhere but has been years in the making.
Without a doubt he is a bully, the reason he has at this point gotten away with all that he has. were I able to I would force him up to all that he has done .
Hi Denis, Agree Trump is a wealthy and powerful bully, and that makes him extremely dangerous. He has access to power that can create an alternate reality covered by the media. Americans no longer live in fact but this alternate reality created by Trump with the help of FOX, Breitbart and MsNBC and news agency that parrot Trump’s desires.