A Personality Analysis of Donald J. Trump’s Never-Ending Quest for Attention
By James Murray
Since his defeat by Joe Biden in 2020, Donald Trump refused to step out of the spotlight. Unlike past presidents who quietly transitioned into private life, Trump made it his mission to dominate the news cycle daily—whether through late-night rants on Truth Social, bizarre geopolitical threats, or feuding with late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel.
Once re-elected he has gone on a rampage attacking his perceived political opponents, pardoned all the January 6th convicted criminals, claims that the pardons issued by President Joe Biden are “null and void”, continuing the threat he will go on a political witch hunt against his opponents.
His latest antics also include outlandish threats against Canada, Denmark, and Ukraine, revealing a delusional worldview where he imagines himself as a global power broker.
At the same time, in a move dripping with irony, he is reportedly angling to host the Kennedy Center Honors, a prestigious awards ceremony celebrating artistic achievement—despite his notorious disdain for Hollywood and the arts.
Trump seems to miss his days on television with his catch phrase, “You’re fired”!
For Trump, attention isn’t just a political tool—it’s his oxygen. He doesn’t care if he’s viewed as a world leader or a late-night joke as long as people are still talking about him.
That is his ultimate goal: to be the centre of the universe, no matter the cost.
The Trump Persona: Attention at Any Cost
Trump’s craving for media attention borders on the pathological.
He thrives on chaos, ensuring that whether he is admired or mocked, he remains the main topic of discussion. From his late-night Truth Social tirades to his rally-stage rants, he has built his brand on the idea that all press is good press.
His reported push to host the Kennedy Center Honors is just the latest example. A former president who spent years demonizing the entertainment industry and the media now wants to insert himself into one of the most prestigious cultural celebrations in the United States. It’s a transparent attempt to force his way into spaces that have rejected him, all while keeping his name in the headlines.
Meanwhile, he continues his bizarre global fantasies, making veiled threats toward Denmark (over Greenland), Canada (over trade and military strength), and Ukraine (by undermining U.S. support for its defence against Russia).
These comments aren’t just the usual Trump bluster; they fit into a larger pattern of authoritarian posturing that aligns with his admiration for strongmen like Vladimir Putin.
The Victim Complex: Feuding with Late-Night Hosts and World Leaders Alike
Trump has long framed himself as a victim of powerful elites, whether they be in Washington, Hollywood, or foreign governments.
His ongoing war with late-night comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel is a perfect example. Rather than ignoring their mockery, he amplifies it, raging about their jokes on Truth Social and calling them “talentless hacks.”
If they were really as unimportant as Trump tries to claim, then simply ignoring them would make their attacks irrelevant, instead Trump seems to thrive on the attention.
This pattern of grievance extends to his hostility toward world leaders.
His resentment toward Denmark stems from his failed 2019 attempt to buy Greenland, and he continues to bring up the issue with an authoritarian sense of entitlement.
His rhetoric against Canada has also escalated, with vague insinuations about economic penalties and military strength.
Meanwhile, his attacks on Ukraine, a nation he once withheld aid from for political leverage, now focus on undermining U.S. support for its defense against Russian aggression.
In Trump’s mind, these comedians, world leaders, and political opponents are all part of the same conspiracy: a grand effort to keep him from what he believes is his rightful place at the centre of everything.
The Authoritarian Mindset: A Delusional Vision of Power
Trump’s behaviour suggests he sees himself as more than just a politician—he envisions himself as a kingmaker, a global dealmaker, and even a cultural icon. His continued threats toward sovereign nations are not just bluster; they reflect his belief that strength comes from domination.
His fixation on the Kennedy Center Honors, meanwhile, suggests a desperate need for legitimacy in circles that have long rejected him. He wants to be recognized as an influential figure not just in politics but in culture, despite years of attacking Hollywood, the arts, and the press.
What This Means for 2024 and Beyond
As Trump now sits in the Oval Office, his antics will only escalate. Sadly for the average American and the world, all we can expect an even more authoritarian approach, as Trumpnow speaks openly about punishing political enemies and using the government for personal retribution.
His fixation on controlling headlines—whether through foreign policy threats, celebrity feuds, or absurd cultural stunts—ensures that he will never fade from public life.
Because, for Trump, attention isn’t just a political tool—it’s his oxygen. He will do anything to stay in the headlines, no matter the cost.
