The 12th Issue of Policy Briefing, NADS: An Analysis of Political Personality Traits of Trump and Reflection on His Policies

U.S. President-elect Donald John Trump shows the two core personality traits of being unruly and changeable. During the whole campaign process, Trump not only made some out-of-line speeches, showed testy tempers, acted like a loose cannon and disregarded political and social norms, he also exhibited intensive businessman-type trade-oriented thinking. Narcissism also becomes his most evident personality trait. Meanwhile, Trump shows a changeable personality. He is inconstant ranging from political stance to emotional expression. Interests constitute the basis for his change of attitude and stance. Judged from his businessman-type trade-oriented trait, Trump is highly likely to snap out of ideological constraints and act rationally according to interests. However, rich experience in the business world has made him well-versed in covering up and deception of strategic intent. Extreme and change of external image and drastic emotional expression are actually a rational strategy of Trump and his team that aims to attract attention, ignite emotions, win support, stay proactive and safeguard interests. Such a rational emotional strategy is built on Trump’s true disposition. In face of such a different and changeable American President, China should rationally look out for his emotional stimulation strategy and stick to the fundamental principle of proceeding from the reality and at the same time, pay attention to his dignity so as to satisfy his mentality of narcissism and pursuit of respect.