Trump Rages at NYT as Mental Decline Concerns Escalate
The political success of Trump and his allies hinges on cultivating an illusion of strength, similar to authoritarian regimes, although the US system allows for greater vulnerability. Trump and his supporters depend on projecting an image of power to mask underlying weaknesses, which is why any perception of weakness is strongly countered. When this carefully constructed image is challenged, the very tactics used to promote it, such as over-the-top praise, can backfire and undermine the leader’s standing, leading to a loss of influence.
John Q. Hosedrinker