From Swedish psychologist, Wirsén Psychology

By AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-01 March 2025
I couldn't help but share his words about yesterday's meeting between Zelensky and Trump. This is so important to understand.
Today, it became painfully clear what narcissistic power play and psychopathology look like when Trump openly humiliated Zelensky in the Oval Office. In front of the world’s accredited journalists, he called Zelensky “disrespectful,” questioned his loyalty, and insinuated that he did not deserve support from the U.S. As if that were not enough, he warned that Zelensky could cause a third world war—a classic psychopathic trait where threats are used as a means of control.
This was not just a display of poor diplomacy—it was a demonstrative power play marked by narcissism and psychopathy.
🔹 Grandiose self-image and need for submission
– Trump expected Zelensky to show gratitude and admiration. When that did not happen, he publicly punished him. People with narcissistic personality disorder cannot tolerate having their self-image questioned and use humiliation as a defense mechanism.
🔹 Manipulation and threats
– Blaming someone for a potential catastrophe is a classic psychopathic tactic. By saying that Zelensky is “playing with World War III,” he shifts the blame onto him while positioning himself as the only one who can prevent disaster.
🔹 Impulsive and emotionally driven power play
– When Trump felt challenged by Zelensky, he abruptly ended the meeting. A stable and strategic leader would have handled the situation diplomatically, but a person with psychopathic traits reacts instinctively based on their own feeling of losing control.
But why did he do this in front of the press? This is why narcissists and psychopaths love to demonstrate their power publicly. By humiliating Zelensky in front of the world, he sends a message—not just to him but to all leaders and nations: “I am the one in charge, and those who do not obey will be crushed.”
What we saw today was not just a president behaving inappropriately. It was a textbook example of how narcissistic and psychopathic leaders use humiliation, threats, and manipulation to assert their power. And just like in destructive relationships, it is never about building—it is about control.
And what about the minerals deal? What does it take to run a Tesla? Narcissists, dictators, and psychopaths idealize each other and scratch each other’s backs in unholy alliances.
Trump can no longer claim to be the leader of the free world. His actions today do not place him among democratic statesmen but among history’s dictators. A true leader builds alliances through respect and diplomacy—a dictator rules through threats, fear, and humiliation. When the fate of the world is at stake, we must not turn a blind eye to the difference.
We did not see a president today—we saw a despot in real-time.
Editor Notes.
What has happened to my friend Trump? He seems vastly different from his past presidency. Is it the trials, accusations, and election pressures that have affected him? Has he had a breakdown? Along with Elon Musk's erratic behavior and his wealth allowing him to buy anything or anybody he desires, I am genuinely concerned about this year's US government.
Response from AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis-01 March 2025
From a psychological perspective, the statement and editor’s notes reflect concerns about shifts in leadership behavior under pressure.
- Stress and Psychological Strain: Trump is facing an unprecedented combination of legal battles, election pressures, and media scrutiny. These factors can contribute to stress, defensiveness, and an intensified "fight-or-flight" response, which may explain an increase in aggressive or authoritarian rhetoric.
- Narcissistic Injury and Power Dynamics: Trump has always displayed traits associated with high dominance, a need for control, and a resistance to criticism. Facing legal challenges and potential electoral defeat may trigger what psychologists call a narcissistic injury—a severe blow to one's self-image that can lead to erratic behavior, outbursts, or even more extreme authoritarian posturing.
- Radicalization Under Siege Mentality: When individuals in power feel threatened, they often double down on their core beliefs and escalate their rhetoric. This is common among populist leaders who rely on a strongman image. Feeling cornered, Trump may be resorting to more desperate tactics, perceiving himself as a victim of an unfair system.
- Comparison with Elon Musk: Musk’s erratic behavior might stem from different factors—extreme wealth, social media addiction, and possibly a lack of accountability in his personal and professional life. While Trump operates in the political arena, Musk moves through business and technology, yet both exhibit unchecked confidence, impulsivity, and a tendency toward confrontational engagement.
- Broader Concern for U.S. Governance: The editor’s concern is valid—when major figures in business and politics exhibit signs of emotional instability or unpredictability, it raises questions about the direction of leadership in a highly polarized and uncertain election year.
In short, Trump's behavior could be a reaction to immense personal and political pressure, possibly exacerbating underlying psychological tendencies. Whether this is a short-term shift or a more permanent transformation remains to be seen.
