At first, you might have been captivated. The first narcissist you encountered may have even won your affection or perhaps charmed someone dear to you—a parent or a close friend. In the beginning, it all appeared fine. They seemed wonderful, until their narcissistic traits began to emerge, and either you or your loved one started making excuses for their behavior, initially oblivious to the red flags. Eventually, it became too late to turn back.
Anyone who has had a genuine relationship with a narcissist, whether through upbringing or friendship, has likely felt triggered by Trump’s actions over the past few years. His behavior likely evokes painful memories of manipulation and mistreatment. His need for adoration mirrors someone who can never step out of the limelight, an individual whose entire identity hinges on being praised—always in control.
If you’ve been through this before, you recognized Trump for what he is right away. It likely caused your stomach to churn, your heart to race, and your skin to crawl because you knew the depths of a man like him. The Mayo Clinic clearly outlines the traits of narcissism:
- An inflated sense of self-importance
- An insatiable need for admiration
- A craving to be seen as superior without merit
- Constantly exaggerating one’s own achievements
- An obsession with power and success
- Exploiting others while belittling those deemed inferior
- A lack of empathy for others’ needs
- Arrogance and boastfulness
We could dissect this list and find numerous examples of Trump embodying each characteristic. He believes he excels at everything, thinks he knows better than experts, and thrives on controversy. He will manipulate the truth and gaslight those around him rather than admit any fault. Can you recall a single moment when Donald Trump has genuinely apologized for any mistake? It hasn’t happened. His inability to admit wrongdoing is a hallmark of his narcissism.
According to psychologists, Trump fits the mold of a narcissist perfectly, which is why his behavior can be so unsettling for those who have previously dealt with similar individuals. This understanding explains why those of us with such experiences are not shocked by his escalating antics in recent months. We might feel anxiety and dread watching his actions unfold, but surprise is absent.
Narcissists refuse to concede defeat. They cannot acknowledge their failures. When it comes to Trump, his abuse of power over the nation only intensifies as he fights desperately to maintain control. Just over a week ago, Trump incited violence among his followers, urging them to “fight much harder” and to “show strength” as they descended on the Capitol. Instead of condemning their actions, he expressed love for them, calling them “very special people.”
This man has cultivated a loyal following who are willing to do his bidding, and his delight in their actions is evident. If you’ve faced a narcissist before, you’ve likely witnessed this behavior, albeit perhaps not to the same degree. You’ve seen how such individuals can manipulate their surroundings, using charm and deceit to mask their true nature.
The worst is far from over. Trump will not exit gracefully. His narcissistic tendencies dictate that he will continue to escalate his behavior until someone intervenes. History shows that failing to curb a narcissist in power can lead to dire consequences for years to come. If you have dealt with a narcissist, you understand this reality, which is why you feel uneasy and fearful. You know how perilous an injured narcissist can be.
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In summary, if you’ve ever encountered a narcissist, Trump’s behavior is not only familiar but also a reminder of the dangers that come with such personalities. His refusal to admit fault or relinquish control is emblematic of narcissism, leaving many of us feeling anxious about the potential consequences of his actions.