Unfit: The Psychology of Donald Trump

In the military, there's a program called the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP), which assesses individuals for personal reliability. They screen for factors like personal defects, financial issues, and infidelity to determine trustworthiness for sensitive tasks, such as guarding nuclear weapons or operating missiles. Unlike the military personnel who undergo rigorous evaluation, the President is automatically trusted. Why?

For example, Trump has a history of fabricating his golf achievements, even claiming club championships he didn't compete in. He once won a championship over the phone while playing elsewhere, demanding the title after hearing the winning score. On other occasions, he won tournaments where he was the only participant. His cheating extends beyond golf, raising questions about his integrity in various aspects of life, including taxes, relationships, and elections.

Trump's divisive rhetoric has brought out the worst in some individuals, with vulgar outbursts and expressions of support. Despite allegations of racism, Trump vehemently denies it, often pointing to token individuals as evidence of his inclusivity. Critics argue that his behavior is more a product of narcissism than outright racism. However, his controversial statements and actions, such as his response to the Charlottesville incident, have led many to conclude otherwise.

Some supporters see him as a champion of the overlooked, while others view him as dangerous and divisive. Comparisons to historical authoritarian figures like Mussolini and Hitler are drawn, highlighting the dangers of demagoguery and the erosion of democratic norms. But, Trump's rise and behavior draw comparisons to historical figures like Hitler, not because he's equivalent to them, but because they share psychological traits.

Our complacency in a time of peace and prosperity has made us blind to the fragility of democracy. Trump's presidency has emboldened autocrats worldwide, from Erdogan in Turkey to Putin in Russia, fostering a global assault on liberal democracy. We're witnessing a resurgence of authoritarianism, reminiscent of the fascist era and post-colonial strongmen.

Trump's erratic behavior poses a grave risk to national and global security. His impulsive nature leaves us vulnerable to catastrophic outcomes, making the stakes of his presidency alarmingly high. He exploits nonexistent threats, fostering an "us versus them" mentality. Loyalty to him becomes blind obedience, ignoring his disregard for truth and incompetence.