As a disclaimer I am in no way, shape, or form suggesting I am a psychologist. I am merely seeking to postulate that it may not be as clandestine as some believe as to why President Trump seems to seek the favor and approval of President Putin.
Donald Trump loves to talk about himself. Trump loves to talk about being tough. Trump loves to talk about being rich. Trump loves to talk about being smart. Yet given Trump’s approval ratings, where only around 40% of the nation approves of his actions as president, seems to suggest that most Americans disagree that he is particularly smart or tough.
Regardless of how you may feel about Vladimir Putin’s actions as the leader of Russia, there is no denying that the man makes shrewd, calculated moves. There is no denying that Putin is willing to be tough on matters that concern Russia, from their actions in Syria to the annexation of the Crimea. And Putin may very well be the world’s wealthiest person.
Thus it is entirely possible, perhaps even probable, that Trump is envious of Putin.
Expanding on these items, consider the following:
- Trump greatly values wealth as both a validation of his cleverness and business acumen, as well as serving as a focal point for self praise. If Putin is wealthier, it is likely Trump envies that.
- Trump does not believe in playing by the rules. He has consistently shorted contractors and abused other loopholes to get ahead. Putin has acquired his own massive wealth by making the rules and working with the Russian oligarchs as the head of state to line his own coffers.
- Trump desires to be seen as tough. Putin has had years of carefully crafted ‘tough guy’ imagery made on his behalf to present the persona of the strong, hyper-masculine head of state to the world.
- Trump has praised foreign leaders for changing the rules to extend their own length of power indefinitely. Putin has done the same, juggling the positions of President and Prime Minister.
- Trump wants to believe his electoral victory was legitimate, levying claims of voter fraud in California by the millions to justify his popular vote loss. He has repeatedly lied about the size of his inaugural crowd, has posted framed electoral college victory maps in the White House, and talked about what a blowout the election was in 2016. Trump would want to believe Putin and his lackeys when they say there was no election interference.
Putin is what Trump wishes he was – perceived as tough, shrewd, and an effective national leader. Putin plays by his own set of rules, as Trump wishes he could, and Putin’s words help validate what Trump wants to believe, in that there ‘was no collusion’.
Regardless of whether or not there was collusion, it is clear that Trump envies the Russian leader’s carefully cultivated image. This is a man crush if ever there was one.
The Rushin Perspective 
Leave a comment