Trump's Tactics: Professor Reveals 'Shady' Secrets

Leadership expert Jeffrey Sonnenfeld has analyzed the behavioral patterns driving Donald Trump’s political ascent and enduring influence. Sonnenfeld asserts that Trump deliberately attempts to dismantle established authority, both in business and government, through strategic manipulation.

Undermining Authority & Inverting Hierarchies

According to Sonnenfeld, Trump frequently inverts traditional power structures and relentlessly repeats claims, regardless of their veracity, until they gain traction. He cited the appointment of former Fox News anchor Pete Hegseth as a prime example.

Appointments & Subordinate Control

Sonnenfeld pointed out that Hegseth, with the military rank of major, was selected despite ranking lower than many who typically hold the position of secretary of defense. Similarly, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan “Raizin” Caine is a three-star general, the lowest-ranking general to ever hold that position. Co-author Steven Tian explained that Trump intentionally places subordinates in positions of authority over their superiors to avoid being constrained and maintain control.

Multiple Roles & Maintaining Loyalty

Sonnenfeld also described Trump’s practice of assigning multiple roles to subordinates, such as Marco Rubio, who serves as secretary of state and acting national security adviser, in addition to previous roles at USAID and as U.S. archivist. This, Sonnenfeld argues, creates a sense of obligation and loyalty, though it often results in those individuals lacking the necessary authority to effectively execute their duties.

The 'Big Lie' & Propaganda Tactics

Sonnenfeld drew a parallel between Trump’s communication strategy and the tactics employed by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi propaganda minister. He referenced Goebbels’ concept of the “big lie,” emphasizing the power of repeated messaging, even if inaccurate. The professor explained that consistent repetition can lead people to believe false narratives, such as claims of a stolen 2020 election, simply due to the perceived conviction of those delivering the message.

From Hostility to Flattery

Sonnenfeld recounted his own interactions with Trump, initially marked by “hostile, threatening, and litigious” responses to his analyses. However, Trump later shifted to flattery, inviting Sonnenfeld to golf and offering him the position of chancellor at Trump University, a now-defunct institution that was the subject of a $25 million settlement. Sonnenfeld declined the offer, but the two developed a friendship.

A Pattern of Resilience & Savvy

Despite facing numerous challenges, including bankruptcies and 34 criminal convictions, Trump has repeatedly demonstrated an ability to rebound. Sonnenfeld emphasized that Trump’s success isn’t due to intelligence in the traditional sense, but rather to “incredible street savvy.” He believes that a comprehensive analysis of Trump’s career reveals a consistent pattern of behavior, guided by a pragmatic approach – “You give a child a hammer, everything looks like a nail. Trump has 10 hammers, and he’s pounding away at them.”