Examining Trumpism: Ideologies and Impact

My 2022 book, The Trump Files, analyzed the impact of Trump’s first term in office on American democracy. It also covered human rights, science, and public health. Here I am examining Trumpism, its ideologies, and its impact.

Nearly three years ago, The Trump Files examined, day by day, using my blog writings for six years. You all know that Trump had a profound and lasting impact on America and the world. Yet, we re-elected the felon.

I wanted to share my findings about Trump and his luminaries. You can compare my conclusions from his first time in office. Contrast these with what you are experiencing now that he has entered the White House again.

This is the cover of The Trump Files. If you click on the image, you can download a free copy of the book. If you would like, you can click here to buy a copy of a Kindle version of the book.

Let me reminisce for a minute. Trump and Musk are gutting the executive branch of government, one mass firing after another. We read in our newspapers each day which department has been ransacked and dismantled by the aliens. The list is long. Some of the agencies include USAID, the Department of Education, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid. The Department of Defense, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and the Federal Aviation Administration are others. FEMA, the IRS, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration are also included. Finally, there’s the Treasury Department and the National Science Foundation. The decimation of these agencies is profound. Every American has been affected, not just our fellow citizens who have been fired. Musk and Trump, champion anti-empathizes, care less. They are heroes to narcissists.

So, what did I learn about Trump and how he governed our country? There are many aspects that I explore in The Trump Files. But here three ideas:

1. How did Trump affect American democracy?
2. What key ideologies stand out when we study Trump?
3. What insights does Trump’s mental health offer?

How did Trump affect American democracy?

Overall, Trump’s administration profoundly affected American democracy, challenging its foundational principles and leading to significant political and social upheaval. As you look over this list of insights, think about what is happening to our country now.

Trump’s administration affected American democracy in several significant ways. Here is what I found and described in the Trump Files.

1. Authoritarian Strategies: Trump employed authoritarian strategies that undermined democratic norms. ? These included rigging elections and calling the press “enemies of the people.” They also involved stacking the judiciary and insisting on law and order. Perpetuating conspiracy theories and lying were also part of these actions. ? These actions eroded trust in democratic institutions and processes. ?
2. Polarization: The administration worsened extreme polarization between Republicans and Democrats. This led to deeper divisions on social issues like voting, race, gender, guns, and education. ? This polarization made it difficult for people to discuss Trump and led to divisions even within families. ?
3. Voter Suppression: The administration and its allies in state legislatures pushed for restrictive voting laws. These laws were seen as efforts to suppress votes. The suppression was particularly aimed at communities of color. ? This included measures like voter ID requirements and reducing access to voting facilities, which disenfranchised many voters. ?
4. Attacks on the Press: Trump often attacked the press, labeling them as “fake news” and “enemies of the people.” This action undermined the role of the media as a watchdog. It was also a pillar of democracy. This led to a culture where truth and facts were often dismissed. ?
5. Incitement of Violence: The administration’s rhetoric and actions included inciting the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. These actions posed direct threats to democratic processes. They also threatened the peaceful transfer of power. ? This event highlighted the dangers of Trump’s influence and the willingness of his supporters to resort to violence. ?
6. Corruption and Nepotism: Trump was accused of using the presidency to enrich himself and his family. He refused to put his business interests in a blind trust. He involved his children in government affairs. ? This blurred the lines between public service and personal gain, undermining the integrity of the office. ?
7. Undermining Public Trust: Trump’s persistent lying and promoting conspiracy theories created a new normal. Truth was undermined. This led to widespread distrust in government and public institutions. ?
8. Erosion of Civil Liberties: The administration’s policies and actions included measures like the Muslim travel ban and aggressive immigration enforcement. These were perceived as attacks on civil liberties and human rights. Such actions further eroded democratic values. ?

Overall, Trump’s administration profoundly affected American democracy, challenging its foundational principles and leading to significant political and social upheaval. Reviewing this list of insights, think about what is happening to our country now.

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Key Ideologies

The key ideologies of Trumpism described in my book include:

1. Authoritarianism: Trumpism is characterized by authoritarian strategies. These include rigging elections and calling the press “enemies of the people.” Other strategies are stacking the judiciary, insisting on law and order, perpetuating conspiracy theories, and lying. ? Trump’s leadership style is autocratic, dictatorial, and imperious. ?
2. Dangerousness: Trump is described as a dangerous individual whose actions and policies threaten American democracy and public health. ? His extreme grandiosity and falsehoods morph into government policy, leading to harmful consequences. ?
3. Moral Worldviews: Trump’s moral worldview is based on the “strict father” metaphor, emphasizing moral strength, authority, retribution, and competition. ? This worldview sees the world as a battle between good and evil, requiring ruthless action against perceived enemies. ?
4. Extreme Polarization: Trumpism has exacerbated the partisan divide in America. Republicans and Democrats are moving further apart on social issues. These issues include voting, race, gender, guns, and education. ? This polarization has led to discomfort in discussing Trump and divisions, even within families. ?
5. Trump’s America First: Trump’s policies and rhetoric emphasize nationalism. They also promote anti-immigrant sentiments. These views are influenced by right-wing media and advisors like Stephen Miller. ? This ideology prioritizes American interests and promotes stricter immigration policies. ?

These ideologies collectively shape the political landscape and influence the actions and beliefs of Trump’s supporters.

What insights does Trump’s mental health offer?

1. Narcissism: Trump exhibits traits of narcissism. These traits are characterized by an excessive interest in oneself, vanity, and self-obsession. They also include egotism, arrogance, and a lack of empathy. ?This narcissism affects his need for constant admiration. It also impacts his tendency to view himself as the most important person in any situation. ?
2. Dangerousness: Trump’s mental health is linked to dangerous behavior, including inciting violence, spreading misinformation, and undermining democratic norms. ? His actions show a willingness to put others at risk. This is obvious in the incitement of the January 6, 2021, insurrection. ?
3. Grandiosity: Trump’s extreme grandiosity makes him believe he alone can fix problems. He thinks he is uniquely capable of leading the nation. ? This belief results in dismissing expert advice and relying on his gut instincts, often leading to poor decision-making.
4. Lack of Empathy: Trump rarely shows empathy, which is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. This lack of empathy is clear in his responses to crises. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he downplayed the severity and impact on people’s lives. ?
5. Solipsism: Trump’s solipsistic worldview means he sees everything about himself, often disregarding the needs and perspectives of others. ? This self-centered approach affects his interactions with both domestic and international leaders. ?
6. Mental Health Assessments: Mental health professionals, including Dr. Bandy X. Lee, have assessed Trump’s behavior and concluded that he poses a danger to the nation. ? They argue that his severe mental impairments are untreated and impervious to treatment, making him unfit for office. ?Dr. Bandy X. Lee is a medical doctor, forensic psychiatrist, and world expert on violence. She taught at Yale School of Medicine and Law School for 17 years. Dr. Lee has written several books about Donald Trump. She reminds us that “when a coup attempt goes unpunished, it becomes a training exercise.” Dr. Lee’s academic scrutiny of Trump gave me valid and reliable assertions of Trump’s unstable behavior.
7. Behavioral Patterns: Trump’s behavior includes lying, denial, and distortion of facts. ? He often doubles down on falsehoods and becomes hostile when challenged. ? This pattern of behavior undermines trust and creates a culture of misinformation. ?
8. Impact on Governance: Trump’s mental health affects his governance style. This leads to authoritarian tendencies, impulsive decisions, and a disregard for democratic principles. ?His leadership is marked by chaos, unpredictability, and a focus on personal loyalty over competence.

Insights into Trump’s mental health offer a comprehensive view. They reveal how his personality traits and mental impairments influence his actions and decisions. These factors contribute to the challenges and dangers faced during his administration.