Some people were surprised by the manner and approach of U.S. President Donald Trump, whether in speech, thought, or handling domestic and foreign issues. Although part of this persona was evident during his first term from January 20, 2017, to January 20, 2021, his overwhelming victory in the Electoral College, the popular vote, and his majorities in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, along with governors and the Supreme Court, encouraged Trump to elevate his aspirations in proposing ideas and solutions. This was driven by his public support and his desire to make history; every U.S. president aims to leave a mark during their second and final term as one of the great American presidents.
However, Trump’s historical background and the significant events in his personal and professional life lead him to think in ways that differ completely from previous American presidents, including Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan, whom Trump holds in high regard. Here, we can discuss eight key elements of Trump’s personality, and knowing these eight keys may aid in engaging with him in ways that maximize benefits and minimize losses. The most prominent keys are:
First: Flattery and Childhood Syndrome
Trump suffered as a child from what can be termed “familial diminishment,” meaning others did not believe in him, which lowered his self-esteem compared to peers. Trump, the fourth child in his family, was often overlooked by his mother, who spoke negatively about him when she did mention him. This circumstance made him yearn for affirmation and validation. During this formative period, Trump consistently sought to “prove himself” and was highly responsive to any praise. This tendency remains with him today; he relishes compliments, and many attribute his professional success in real estate to his drive to prove himself to a father who initially doubted him. Thus, the first key to winning Trump’s trust is through praise and acknowledging the significant public support he received in the elections, where he garnered over 75 million votes on November 5.
Second: Emotional Strategy
Trump frequently employs emotionally charged language. For instance, he claims to “respect” Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping, refers to TikTok as having “a place in his heart,” and expresses a “love” for the people of Greenland, driving his desire to annex it. Even his descriptors for his cabinet and advisors involve emotional undertones, using terms like “beloved” or “handsome.” Biden’s main issue with Trump has been that “nobody respects him.” Thus, conveying positive feelings and high praise towards Trump can significantly influence his political positions, as he is always ready to shift his stance, evidenced by his adjustments regarding the “Deal of the Century” after facing backlash.
Third: Urgency and Pursuance
Readers of Trump’s 1987 book “The Art of the Deal” will see his emphasis on the principles of urgency and repetition, asserting that a deal encompasses more than financial gain, framing it instead as an intellectual and artistic endeavor. He insists on the necessity of tackling rejection, which is evident in his stances on issues like the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza, where he reiterates his position despite wide rejection. Trump highlights that deal-making requires a certain level of “excitement,” and he often announces significant statements at dawn, leveraging suspense.
Fourth: Opening Offers and High Ceilings
Trump believes a successful deal relies heavily on the reaction to the “opening offer,” typically set at extremely high levels that he knows the other party cannot accept. However, he understands that this can guide negotiations toward achieving more realistic goals for himself and his team. For instance, he discussed the reclaiming of the Panama Canal, which led to significant diplomatic gains, and similar strategies were used when he aimed to acquire Greenland.
Fifth: Taxi Driver and Polls
Throughout his campaigns and political decisions, Trump prioritizes personal information gathered firsthand rather than relying on polls or public opinion experts. This approach traces back to his experiences with Trump Tower in New York, where he disregarded widespread skepticism about the land’s viability by conducting his own aerial surveys. He believes direct communication yields the best insights, often consulting taxi drivers for the real sentiments of city residents. During the 2016 and 2024 elections, he consistently dismissed polls, asserting they were misleading.
Sixth: Positive Amplification
In his discussions and writings, Trump acknowledges his reliance on “positive amplification,” a negotiating tactic that emphasizes desires without addressing potential negatives. In his proposals regarding the Gaza displacement, he focuses on the perceived benefits for the affected populations while amplifying his own motivations to alleviate Palestinian suffering.
Seventh: Flooding the Arena
This recognized psychological tactic involves distracting opponents by advancing multiple ideas simultaneously, presenting incomplete and often inconsistent information. Trump’s strategy allows him to overwhelm others, making it hard for them to respond effectively, as he tends to introduce new matters before any substantial rebuttal can be formed.
Eighth: Contingency Options
Trump isn’t wedded to one idea; he’s always prepared for “alternative options,” allowing him operational flexibility. For instance, while advocating for the expulsion of 20 million undocumented immigrants seems implausible, achieving the deportation of a smaller number provides substantial victories for his base. He reiterates that he doesn’t cling to a single deal or strategy, continuously seeking new methods for successful negotiations.
This understanding of Trump’s tactics reveals nuances in his approaches to politics and negotiation, framing them as strategic maneuvers bedecked with psychological insights.
