Very interesting and informative, as usual, Jack. I had never thought about things from this angle, but when I do, it makes all the sense in the world! Thank you!
Most people only look at Trump through the political lens. But once you shift to the psychology...and identity-protection angle...suddenly...everything he does makes perfect... terrifying sense.
You’re exactly the kind of reader who gets it...someone willing to look past the noise...and see the real machinery underneath. I appreciate you being here in the Inner Circle!
Trump has ALWAYS shown an interest in WOMEN or with young girls as evidenced in Epstein association - the reason is because he can manipulate and dominate them - which then satisfies his ego as someone who is dominant
And this overcomes his insecurity - his sexual dominance of young girls is part of his narcissism
So glad you brought this up, J...because these are important points to address...and for others to see. I make go a bit long...but I want to address it the right way:
You’re right about one thing:
Trump’s pattern with women and girls...absolutely feeds his need for dominance and control. That’s well-documented...and it fits his narcissistic profile perfectly.
But here’s where I think the interpretation needs a little sharpening:
1. His pattern of behavioral panic doesn’t match the “this is just about girls” explanation.
When Trump is accused of misconduct with women or girls...he blusters...denies...mocks, minimizes...or pivots.
He never spirals.
He never melts down.
He never goes into self-destructive overdrive.
His reaction to the Epstein files has been the exact opposite...frantic...fearful...irrational.
That tells us the threat he perceives... is different in nature.
Like TimE, I'm thinking about things from this angle for the first time, too. And I wonder if this might be a both/and about his sexuality: that he experiences manipulation and domination of women (which is obvious!) *instead of* sexual attraction. Because he's deeply closeted? Because he's incapable of real sexual feeling? Either/both makes sense to me. I can't in a million years imagine him being genuinely sexual with *anyone*. It could be, as Jack is pointing out, the revelation of him as effectively neutered--whether gay or not--that is so terrifying to him. I can see it either way.
Ugh. And now I need to wash out my eyes! I can't wait till we don't have to think about or talk about or read about or watch that monster any more....
You’re asking the right kind of question, Jane...not about labels or orientation...but about function. And that’s the key.
With Trump...the issue has never looked like genuine sexuality in the human sense.
The pattern we see...over decades...is about power...control...and ego regulation...not intimacy or attraction.
That’s why your “both/and” instinct makes sense...dominance as a substitute for actual feeling.
And that’s exactly why I framed the article the way I did. It’s not about who he is...or isn’t attracted to...it’s about the identity collapse he fears...if anything punctures the “alpha male” myth...he built his entire persona on.
Whether he’s closeted...asexual...performative...or simply emotionally hollow… none of that is the point.
The point is this:
Authoritarians don’t fear crimes.
They fear humiliation...especially around masculinity.
That’s the threat that makes him panic.
That’s the part...he can’t survive.
And trust me...you’re not alone in wanting the day to come when we never have to see...hear...or analyze this man again. The whole country could use that rinse.
I’ve long seen Trump as a version of Macbeth, who is skillfully manipulated by his wife every time she questions his manhood. There are those who claim the play is about “vaulting ambition” which is actually only mentioned once. But manhood…? Lady Macbeth plays him like a violin when she brings it up. In his case, he has defined manhood as being able to produce a son, which he cannot do. So I completely agree with you. Trump’s behavior is prompted by his psychopathology. His greatest fear: public humiliation. He’s been struggling to avenge the public humiliation that Obama handed to him at that memorable WH Correspondents’ Dinner. He’s done this by attempting to ruin everything Obama achieved as President. Trump is an open book of psychopathy to anyone with the brains to read him. Your column does this beautifully. Bravo.
I read somewhere in the past week or so that not all of the victims are female.
This makes perfect sense, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. . I suppose because I never followed that thought process to its logical conclusion.
The emperor has no clothes.
I was so naive, developed early and got attention that embarrassed and frustrated me. It’s just by my listening to my own discomfort and trusting my inner voice that I realized I’d possibly averted some really dicey situations. This whole situations puts me right back there into my 15-yr. old head, and I suspect it does the same to/for many women. I find that I’m seeing my own family dynamics in a whole new light. WOW. I feel lighter already.
Rae...you’re tuning into something incredibly important here...not about proving who the victims were...but about understanding why the idea of male victims would shatter his façade...in a way female victims never have. That’s the psychological thread most people... never follow to its logical end.
And you’re right...once you see that angle...you can’t unsee it.
It reframes the whole “emperor has no clothes” dynamic... in a way that hits people... especially women...right in the old survival instincts...we had to develop as teenagers.
Your reflection about trusting your discomfort… that’s powerful. Truly. A lot of women are feeling that same 15-year-old alert system...kicking back on during all this. It’s not naïve ...it’s your internal radar telling the truth.
If this piece helped lighten the weight or sharpen the picture...I’m glad.
There’s more to come...and I’m honored you’re here for it!
Recently, someone else on this site, reported the payments Trump paid to silence accusers. At least 2 were male. ( prior to first term). IF true , let’s see it published again, a lot. Fact or fiction?
J: “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”
D: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
As soon as I read those words, I thought about how, back in the day, the word “pal” could be used to refer to a same-sex friend who was more than a friend. I’ve asked people from the ‘60s and ‘70s about it, but apparently I’m the only one who remembers that.
Commentators have come close when they mused that something much more damaging must be in those files than what we’d learned so far. Even a ménage à trois, which would likely occur in that environment, would begin to unravel the myth.
Holy moly! I once heard it said that one insurmountable thing for a public figure is to be caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy. Jack you’ve given me the chills and hope at the same time!
The humiliation of being laughed at -- that sure does eat a hole in his soul. I went back and looked at the clip of President Obama roasting him at the White House Correspondents dinner. It was illuminating. Nothing Obama said was awful, it was good-natured ribbing that any normal person would have chuckled at. I carefully watched Trump, you could see the panic when Obama started and then the seething rage the longer it continued. I also rewatched the whole UN laugh out loud (during his first administration) at one of his cartoonishly outrageous claims. He was stunned at first but watching his micro-expressions you could see the pain, the flash of rage, and finally summoning whatever control he could muster to continue.
You likely have it right. His daughter-in-law said she met Jr at a Gay club and that it was watching male sex acts that aroused Jr-(their first sexual encounter resulted? who knows- but its interesting from the point of view of your article. Then there is the BJ Bubba thing in the emails revealed- filmed? Also the photo of dT reaching for bill clinton's crotch at the golf course- kind of creepy. How about his verbal praise of A. Palmers anatomy in a speech and his imitating a sex act with a microphone a speech- also way more than I wanted to see from a candidate for presidency. Finally, the list of names of all those who settled with him monetarily for sexual abuse- that list contained the names of some males as well as females.
Bravo, and right on, Jack! I've been so frustrated at the lack of psychological insight (with the exception of a couple sources) that has been prevalent throughout commentary on him. He and all other hyper-men have caused too much damage and destruction over time. They are so fragile and unable to even master themselves; talk about weak, talk about snowflakes; yet people keep buying it and wondering why it never works out for them. Destruction as a strategy? good luck. It'll always come back to bite them.
I think you hit this one right out of the park! Reading it crystallized a very clear vision of why he has reacted as he has. It also highlights why his base reacts as they do. Breaking the "alpha male" image that he projects time and again truly would destroy him as well. Thanks for great analysis.
I love expanding my mind and my quasi-understanding of Trump as a Psychopathic Narcissist! You are always so spot on and provide great perspective. Thanks, Jack!🥰👍
Jack, thanks so much for sharing this perspective. Somehow, it’s a bit calming. The reasons explained for some people’s fascination and the claimed or purported image have never even hinted at being acceptable or reasonable to some of us, or to me at least. I had never been able to name the reasons for any interest in the person whatsoever. Real men are not bragging or controlling, and decisions are made with mutual input in married couples for a shared analysis and decision making. People try to act with wisdom and caring, with respect and dedicated responsibility, and by setting examples of ways to behave in society as well as at home, as I see it, and in living in ways I can expect and respect.
While the mean and greedy power grab image opposes the brave wisdom with polite, gentlemanly reserve, which is admirable to me in a fellow, and the nasty bullying opposes the polite, modest, nurturing behavior I expect and also respect, tonight I am finally getting a glimpse of some people’s thinking, even though it is not understandable.
How sad that anyone would feel such need as to give that kind of an image or to have a role model to hold such an image! It has made no sense whatsoever and is totally unappealing to some of us.
Your suggestions, however, do make sense! Thank you for helping me see this possibility, this different light. If that is the reality, it explains a lot, although rudeness, sneering, untruthfulness, controlling, greediness, bragging, and purporting to have toughness are the least impressive traits a person could have. As long as a person does not prey on anyone, cheat or cheat on anyone, put anyone down, lie to anyone or steal, then the category being examined, it seems, is simply what the person could come to accept and be the best person possible within the identity, doing everything honestly and as is possible to help make life better for everyone.
Magnified protests in some ways also seem to surface as another explanation comes to mind within the framework of a hint of a possibility. Does it seem odd that this thinking seems to be a bit of a relief? I feel like I am getting a clearer picture.
If this is the case, I wish for helpful calm for a lot of people who might be or are locked into a different mindset. There is no need for people to have to prove themselves, or to try to be who they are not. People should be themselves and do what they can along life’s path to help other people have easier lives, too. That’s the way I see it. I hope kindness will come about in this world and that all people can heal.
This is very interesting, I'm glad you pointed this angle out. Because some of the biggest misogynists I'm aware of are secretly "in the closet". I'd love to see this one play out in the media because, of course, he's afraid of being laughed at. Look at his push to get top comedians silenced because they poke at him constantly.
Very interesting and informative, as usual, Jack. I had never thought about things from this angle, but when I do, it makes all the sense in the world! Thank you!
Thank you so much...and I’m glad it clicked.
Most people only look at Trump through the political lens. But once you shift to the psychology...and identity-protection angle...suddenly...everything he does makes perfect... terrifying sense.
You’re exactly the kind of reader who gets it...someone willing to look past the noise...and see the real machinery underneath. I appreciate you being here in the Inner Circle!
More coming. Stay close.
-Jack
I've known he was a bad man way back in the 70ies‼️ Terrific article this evening, Jack, and will reStack ASAP 🙏
I believe you have nailed it! I have pondered this very idea, probably many of us have. Great post.
Jack -
I think you overthought this one !
Trump has ALWAYS shown an interest in WOMEN or with young girls as evidenced in Epstein association - the reason is because he can manipulate and dominate them - which then satisfies his ego as someone who is dominant
And this overcomes his insecurity - his sexual dominance of young girls is part of his narcissism
So glad you brought this up, J...because these are important points to address...and for others to see. I make go a bit long...but I want to address it the right way:
You’re right about one thing:
Trump’s pattern with women and girls...absolutely feeds his need for dominance and control. That’s well-documented...and it fits his narcissistic profile perfectly.
But here’s where I think the interpretation needs a little sharpening:
1. His pattern of behavioral panic doesn’t match the “this is just about girls” explanation.
When Trump is accused of misconduct with women or girls...he blusters...denies...mocks, minimizes...or pivots.
He never spirals.
He never melts down.
He never goes into self-destructive overdrive.
His reaction to the Epstein files has been the exact opposite...frantic...fearful...irrational.
That tells us the threat he perceives... is different in nature.
2. Crimes don’t terrify authoritarian personalities...humiliation does.
Trump has weathered:
Access Hollywood
26+ public allegations
documented affairs
lawsuits
rape liability judgment
Miss Teen USA dressing room accusations
None of that...cracked his identity.
But accusations that hit his masculinity...virility...or manhood?
That’s where he becomes unglued.
This is why the underlying fear...cannot simply be “women and girls.”
He’s survived those blows a hundred times.
3. This isn’t about WHAT he did...it’s about WHAT HE THINKS...people might believe.
Authoritarian psychology is motivated by identity collapse...not guilt.
If Trump believed...even wrongly...that something in those files could paint him as:
weak
submissive
compromised
anything less than his “alpha” persona
THAT is the kind of threat that would trigger the behavior we’re seeing now.
It’s not about facts.
It’s about perceived ego death.
4. His base already excuses immorality with women. They do NOT excuse weakness.
This is the irrefutable piece:
Evangelicals will forgive “sin.”
Trolls will excuse predation.
MAGA will rationalize anything involving girls as “lies” or “forgivable” or “locker room talk.”
But same-sex acts?
Even incidental?
Even rumored?
That detonates the psychic scaffolding of the entire movement.
Trump knows this.
His meltdown makes sense only through that lens.
5. My analysis isn’t claiming what IS in the files...just what his behavior signals.
You’re right that his pattern of dominance is tied to women. No debate there.
But the intensity...velocity... and desperation of his reaction to the Epstein files...is unlike anything tied to that pattern.
It’s the reaction of a man terrified of a different category of threat...one that hits the core of his identity...not just his misconduct history.
Your comment is thoughtful...and the dominant-women pattern is absolutely part of the equation.
But the meltdown we’re watching right now...points to a deeper fear...than anything in his long history with women...has ever triggered.
That’s the distinction.
And that’s why I went deeper here.
-Jack
Like TimE, I'm thinking about things from this angle for the first time, too. And I wonder if this might be a both/and about his sexuality: that he experiences manipulation and domination of women (which is obvious!) *instead of* sexual attraction. Because he's deeply closeted? Because he's incapable of real sexual feeling? Either/both makes sense to me. I can't in a million years imagine him being genuinely sexual with *anyone*. It could be, as Jack is pointing out, the revelation of him as effectively neutered--whether gay or not--that is so terrifying to him. I can see it either way.
Ugh. And now I need to wash out my eyes! I can't wait till we don't have to think about or talk about or read about or watch that monster any more....
You’re asking the right kind of question, Jane...not about labels or orientation...but about function. And that’s the key.
With Trump...the issue has never looked like genuine sexuality in the human sense.
The pattern we see...over decades...is about power...control...and ego regulation...not intimacy or attraction.
That’s why your “both/and” instinct makes sense...dominance as a substitute for actual feeling.
And that’s exactly why I framed the article the way I did. It’s not about who he is...or isn’t attracted to...it’s about the identity collapse he fears...if anything punctures the “alpha male” myth...he built his entire persona on.
Whether he’s closeted...asexual...performative...or simply emotionally hollow… none of that is the point.
The point is this:
Authoritarians don’t fear crimes.
They fear humiliation...especially around masculinity.
That’s the threat that makes him panic.
That’s the part...he can’t survive.
And trust me...you’re not alone in wanting the day to come when we never have to see...hear...or analyze this man again. The whole country could use that rinse.
More coming. Stay close!
-Jack
No it is not about that it is about whether he is a manly man or someone’s bitch!!
I’ve long seen Trump as a version of Macbeth, who is skillfully manipulated by his wife every time she questions his manhood. There are those who claim the play is about “vaulting ambition” which is actually only mentioned once. But manhood…? Lady Macbeth plays him like a violin when she brings it up. In his case, he has defined manhood as being able to produce a son, which he cannot do. So I completely agree with you. Trump’s behavior is prompted by his psychopathology. His greatest fear: public humiliation. He’s been struggling to avenge the public humiliation that Obama handed to him at that memorable WH Correspondents’ Dinner. He’s done this by attempting to ruin everything Obama achieved as President. Trump is an open book of psychopathy to anyone with the brains to read him. Your column does this beautifully. Bravo.
There was information out there before the 2016 election in the form of non disclosure agreements for families of at least 6 boys that I remember
Anonymous or some other hacking group released them showing payouts to the families.
Not sure what happened to them but they were all over twitter for awhile along with the porn of our current First Lady
Right on the nose again, Jack.
I read somewhere in the past week or so that not all of the victims are female.
This makes perfect sense, and I couldn’t get it out of my head. . I suppose because I never followed that thought process to its logical conclusion.
The emperor has no clothes.
I was so naive, developed early and got attention that embarrassed and frustrated me. It’s just by my listening to my own discomfort and trusting my inner voice that I realized I’d possibly averted some really dicey situations. This whole situations puts me right back there into my 15-yr. old head, and I suspect it does the same to/for many women. I find that I’m seeing my own family dynamics in a whole new light. WOW. I feel lighter already.
Thanks, Jack
📎🖇️💙
Rae...you’re tuning into something incredibly important here...not about proving who the victims were...but about understanding why the idea of male victims would shatter his façade...in a way female victims never have. That’s the psychological thread most people... never follow to its logical end.
And you’re right...once you see that angle...you can’t unsee it.
It reframes the whole “emperor has no clothes” dynamic... in a way that hits people... especially women...right in the old survival instincts...we had to develop as teenagers.
Your reflection about trusting your discomfort… that’s powerful. Truly. A lot of women are feeling that same 15-year-old alert system...kicking back on during all this. It’s not naïve ...it’s your internal radar telling the truth.
If this piece helped lighten the weight or sharpen the picture...I’m glad.
There’s more to come...and I’m honored you’re here for it!
-Jack
I so appreciate your responses. Confirmation always welcome.
Recently, someone else on this site, reported the payments Trump paid to silence accusers. At least 2 were male. ( prior to first term). IF true , let’s see it published again, a lot. Fact or fiction?
D: “Enigmas never age. Have you noticed that?”
J: “As a matter of fact, it was clear to me the last time I saw you.”
D: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.”
As soon as I read those words, I thought about how, back in the day, the word “pal” could be used to refer to a same-sex friend who was more than a friend. I’ve asked people from the ‘60s and ‘70s about it, but apparently I’m the only one who remembers that.
Commentators have come close when they mused that something much more damaging must be in those files than what we’d learned so far. Even a ménage à trois, which would likely occur in that environment, would begin to unravel the myth.
Holy moly! I once heard it said that one insurmountable thing for a public figure is to be caught in bed with a dead woman or a live boy. Jack you’ve given me the chills and hope at the same time!
The humiliation of being laughed at -- that sure does eat a hole in his soul. I went back and looked at the clip of President Obama roasting him at the White House Correspondents dinner. It was illuminating. Nothing Obama said was awful, it was good-natured ribbing that any normal person would have chuckled at. I carefully watched Trump, you could see the panic when Obama started and then the seething rage the longer it continued. I also rewatched the whole UN laugh out loud (during his first administration) at one of his cartoonishly outrageous claims. He was stunned at first but watching his micro-expressions you could see the pain, the flash of rage, and finally summoning whatever control he could muster to continue.
You likely have it right. His daughter-in-law said she met Jr at a Gay club and that it was watching male sex acts that aroused Jr-(their first sexual encounter resulted? who knows- but its interesting from the point of view of your article. Then there is the BJ Bubba thing in the emails revealed- filmed? Also the photo of dT reaching for bill clinton's crotch at the golf course- kind of creepy. How about his verbal praise of A. Palmers anatomy in a speech and his imitating a sex act with a microphone a speech- also way more than I wanted to see from a candidate for presidency. Finally, the list of names of all those who settled with him monetarily for sexual abuse- that list contained the names of some males as well as females.
Interesting indeed.... thinking you nailed it .
Bravo, and right on, Jack! I've been so frustrated at the lack of psychological insight (with the exception of a couple sources) that has been prevalent throughout commentary on him. He and all other hyper-men have caused too much damage and destruction over time. They are so fragile and unable to even master themselves; talk about weak, talk about snowflakes; yet people keep buying it and wondering why it never works out for them. Destruction as a strategy? good luck. It'll always come back to bite them.
I think you hit this one right out of the park! Reading it crystallized a very clear vision of why he has reacted as he has. It also highlights why his base reacts as they do. Breaking the "alpha male" image that he projects time and again truly would destroy him as well. Thanks for great analysis.
I love expanding my mind and my quasi-understanding of Trump as a Psychopathic Narcissist! You are always so spot on and provide great perspective. Thanks, Jack!🥰👍
Jack, thanks so much for sharing this perspective. Somehow, it’s a bit calming. The reasons explained for some people’s fascination and the claimed or purported image have never even hinted at being acceptable or reasonable to some of us, or to me at least. I had never been able to name the reasons for any interest in the person whatsoever. Real men are not bragging or controlling, and decisions are made with mutual input in married couples for a shared analysis and decision making. People try to act with wisdom and caring, with respect and dedicated responsibility, and by setting examples of ways to behave in society as well as at home, as I see it, and in living in ways I can expect and respect.
While the mean and greedy power grab image opposes the brave wisdom with polite, gentlemanly reserve, which is admirable to me in a fellow, and the nasty bullying opposes the polite, modest, nurturing behavior I expect and also respect, tonight I am finally getting a glimpse of some people’s thinking, even though it is not understandable.
How sad that anyone would feel such need as to give that kind of an image or to have a role model to hold such an image! It has made no sense whatsoever and is totally unappealing to some of us.
Your suggestions, however, do make sense! Thank you for helping me see this possibility, this different light. If that is the reality, it explains a lot, although rudeness, sneering, untruthfulness, controlling, greediness, bragging, and purporting to have toughness are the least impressive traits a person could have. As long as a person does not prey on anyone, cheat or cheat on anyone, put anyone down, lie to anyone or steal, then the category being examined, it seems, is simply what the person could come to accept and be the best person possible within the identity, doing everything honestly and as is possible to help make life better for everyone.
Magnified protests in some ways also seem to surface as another explanation comes to mind within the framework of a hint of a possibility. Does it seem odd that this thinking seems to be a bit of a relief? I feel like I am getting a clearer picture.
If this is the case, I wish for helpful calm for a lot of people who might be or are locked into a different mindset. There is no need for people to have to prove themselves, or to try to be who they are not. People should be themselves and do what they can along life’s path to help other people have easier lives, too. That’s the way I see it. I hope kindness will come about in this world and that all people can heal.
This would certainly break his facade of being an alpha male. He’s a deeply insecure man.
This is very interesting, I'm glad you pointed this angle out. Because some of the biggest misogynists I'm aware of are secretly "in the closet". I'd love to see this one play out in the media because, of course, he's afraid of being laughed at. Look at his push to get top comedians silenced because they poke at him constantly.