Is Donald Trump a sociopath?

2015-09-08T19:10:34-04:00

The things he says rarely seem to align with reality, he plays whatever part he needs to be to get the right reaction from people, he only seems vested in his own interest. I honestly think the man is a true-to-form sociopath. This isn't a question of his politics, or of the left-vs-right or Republican-vs-Democrat views and political debates; this is an altogether separate question, completely detached from political views or stances.
Is this one man in particular a sociopath? I'm pretty sure he is.
(It did make me laugh, though, that he thinks being in a military school from 8-12th grade is more military training than actual serving military members.)

Edit: It's been pointed out to me that he more-closely exhibits narcissism. I'm inclined to agree.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/09/us/politics/donald-trump-likens-his-schooling-to-military-service-in-book.html?smid=fb-nytimes&smtyp=cur

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Response by CPT Jack Durish made Sep 8 at 2015 7:27 PM

2015-09-08T19:27:54-04:00

Wow! This question demonstrates better than anything else I've heard just how desperate the left really is. Donald Trump is obviously no "sociopath". He does not exhibit "extreme antisocial behavior". There is no evidence whatsoever that he "lacks a conscience". This is the use of "sociopath" as a pejorative. Shame one the author and shame on all who repeat it. Let's debate our different ideologies with respect and candor. Let's not attack others simply because we can't think of something intelligent to say. At the very least, let's just agree to disagree if the ideological abyss that separates us is unbridgeable.

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Sep 8 at 2015 7:44 PM

2015-09-08T19:44:41-04:00

Narcissist. That's the word you're looking for.

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Sep 8 at 2015 7:56 PM

2015-09-08T19:56:31-04:00

I guess you meant that he is sociable not sociopath. Must people get those two confused.

Response by MAJ Jim Steven made Sep 8 at 2015 8:14 PM

2015-09-08T20:14:27-04:00

I don't know what his mental state is....I like the term, "pathological arrogance."
People like this, large egos...they scare me. Everything is about feeding that ego.
his quote in reference to getting Obama to produce a birth certificate, "I have accomplished what no one else has accomplished..." Dude, get over yourself, I am not impressed...

Response by Maj William Gambrell made Sep 8 at 2015 8:47 PM

2015-09-08T20:47:21-04:00

The correct term is egomaniac. The man wants people to know he is the man and nobody is going to tell him otherwise.

Response by LTC Ed Ross made Sep 8 at 2015 8:48 PM

2015-09-08T20:48:20-04:00

Trump is hardly a sociopath. He's flamboyant and colorful. That's how me made billions of dollars. Would he make a good president? That remains to be seen if he should get elected. Trump has struck a nerve among a broad spectrum of Americans who are simply fed up with politics as usual. There was a time in America, during and after World War II, when captains of industry served in government and did great work. More and more, the professional political class has created a culture of corruption where elected representatives and political appointees come to Washington, D.C., to stick their hands in the till and abscond with the people's money in the name of their constitutions.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Sep 9 at 2015 1:02 AM

2015-09-09T01:02:46-04:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member - Lieutenant; A very interesting question which elicited some sound answers.

In my opinion (take it as a fact that I DO NOT have degrees in either Psychology or Medicine) Mr. Trump falls at the upper end of the "Controlling Egotistical Narcissistic" category but doesn't quite push over into the "Sociopathic Personality" category.

Strangely enough, those in the "Controlling Egotistical Narcissistic" category don't really believe that they are as good as they are going to try and get you to tell them they are. About the worst thing you can do to one of those people is to write them off publicly and then ignore them.

If Mr. Trump DOES NOT get the Republican nomination, then the odds are that he WILL run as a "Third Party" candidate - regardless of his agreement not to run as an "Independent". After all, if he is running as a "Third Party" candidate then he isn't really an "independent" is he?

Response by SGT Roberto Mendoza-Diaz made Sep 9 at 2015 7:21 AM

2015-09-09T07:21:48-04:00

7 Facts About Sociopaths
1. The terms “sociopath” and “psychopath” are often used interchangeably. A related term is antisocial personality disorder. The American Psychiatric Association has suggested changing the name again to “Antisocial/Psychopathic Type.”
2. Sociopaths do not have a conscience, and they do not form emotional bonds with other people. This means they can do absolutely anything without feeling any guilt or remorse.
3. Sociopaths are social predators. They are fluent liars and brazen con artists. Most are manipulative and some are violent, but only a tiny percentage are serial killers.
4. Sociopathy is not a mental illness; it is a personality disorder. The condition is highly genetic.
5. Approximately 1 percent to 4 percent of the population are sociopaths. That means there may be 3 to 12 million sociopaths in the United States.
6. Sociopaths can be found in all segments of society—rich, poor, male, female, all races, all communities. They often blend easily into society.
7. Sociopaths, once they are adults, cannot be rehabilitated. For more information, visit Lovefraud.com.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 9:15 AM

2015-09-09T09:15:07-04:00

Well...no, of course he isn't.

Like any person whose accomplishments have outgrown their maturity, he likes to "grand stand"...and right now, that seems to be serving him well in the polls (which says more about "us" than he).

Here's a better question; Is Donald Trump, let alone ANY of the candidates running for the highest office in the land, truly addressing problems and offering solutions...or simply pandering to their "base"?

I want to hear facts and figures. What is he going to do to re-power industry, revive the skilled labor pipeline, and reduce costly and wasteful "CYA" regulations? Does he have a plan for dealing with the spread of ISIS, and does it include a direct intervention option on the ground? What is his stance on Russia...Iran? What personal values does he defend and how does be plan on re-instating a sense of confidence and pride in the American people?

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 9 at 2015 1:04 PM

2015-09-09T13:04:59-04:00

Not sure about a sociopath, but he is very business driven of course, and I do think that bleeds over into all aspects of his life. Kinda sad :-(

Response by SSG (ret) William Martin made Sep 10 at 2015 12:14 PM

2015-09-10T12:14:07-04:00

Is he too mean to be POTUS? Is he not nice enough to be POTUS? Its time get someone who is strong into the POTUS position. What time did a CSM ask before he or she put a MSG into a 1SG's position, "so are you a nice person". Leadership is leadership. Being nice and saying nice things gets no where. The position of POTUS is not a level entry job from something small or from something that someone really was good at and now they become POTUS. I don't care if anyone likes Trump. Like many 1SGs and CSMs said, their leadership is not a "likership". Why would you want a leader you liked as a person if he or she was going to do a terrible job as a leader. The best leaders I have ever had I did not like one bit but my loyalty, trust, and respect was won through their actions as a leader. We need a POTUS who will put a foot into the rear and of Russia, Iran, China, ISIL and anyone else who wants to do things the wrong way. We are a world leader and we didn't get there in the past by being nice.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Nov 24 at 2015 3:53 PM

2015-11-24T15:53:50-05:00

I believe he is extremely egocentric and a risk takers. Risk takers tend to make unwarranted risks that can turn out badly.

Response by PO1 Donald Hammond made Dec 1 at 2015 12:53 PM

2015-12-01T12:53:55-05:00

By the book. No. Here is what THE book says. DSM that is.
" Superficial charm and good intelligence
Absence of delusions and other signs of irrational thinking
Absence of nervousness or neurotic manifestations
Unreliability
Untruthfulness and insincerity
Lack of remorse and shame
Inadequately motivated antisocial behavior
Poor judgment and failure to learn by experience
Pathologic egocentricity and incapacity for love
General poverty in major affective reactions
Specific loss of insight
Unresponsiveness in general interpersonal relations
Fantastic and uninviting behavior with alcohol and sometimes without
Suicide threats rarely carried out
Sex life impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated
Failure to follow any life plan"
A person must hit on pretty much all of these to be considered a sociopath. Trump obviously does not. Hillary now .... :)

How about narcissistic?
"Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental disorder in which people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others. But behind this mask of ultraconfidence lies a fragile self-esteem that's vulnerable to the slightest criticism.

A narcissistic personality disorder causes problems in many areas of life, such as relationships, work, school or financial affairs. You may be generally unhappy and disappointed when you're not given the special favors or admiration you believe you deserve. Others may not enjoy being around you, and you may find your relationships unfulfilling."

Sounds most liberals to me. Hillary again?
Trump is more like a used car salesperson. He knows how to sell. He does it very well.
So just start practicing "President Trump".

Response by SFC Joseph Weber made Dec 8 at 2015 1:05 PM

2015-12-08T13:05:39-05:00

After his latest lies and escapades, I think he is simply a total fucking scumbag.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 8 at 2015 2:10 PM

2015-12-08T14:10:41-05:00

He's the epitome of someone with "f" you money imo.

My "conspiracy theory" is he's in the race as a GOP candidate to create more liberal voters. "F" you money or not - it's hard to fathom someone can be as much as a bigot as he has been, given the reach he has with his comments.

Response by CW4 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2015 6:57 AM

2015-12-09T06:57:57-05:00

We talking about President Trump?

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 9 at 2015 8:45 PM

2015-12-09T20:45:42-05:00

Ummm................ No more than our sitting POTUS, this is nothing new with politics and money.

Response by SPC Brendan Kearns made Dec 11 at 2015 3:19 PM

2015-12-11T15:19:52-05:00

No, he just says whatever he wants to and doesn't care who he offends

Response by SrA Art Siatkowsky made Dec 13 at 2015 5:17 AM

2015-12-13T05:17:30-05:00

Is Obama a Communist?

Response by CPT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 20 at 2015 8:37 PM

2015-12-20T20:37:09-05:00

His base principles actually make the most sense. He has the solutions that will work, but no one wants to hear. With that said, he has no tact. Is too extreme in a PC driven society. He considers a million dollars a small amount of money. I wish someone with a similar platform would run in his place. He's all personality. Unfortunately he's got a terrible one.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 21 at 2015 1:17 PM

2015-12-21T13:17:44-05:00

Rolling my eyes, just what did he do to scare you so?

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 6 at 2016 2:03 PM

2016-01-06T14:03:57-05:00

I still think he is a plant to prove just how twisted we as a nation have become... again. But that is tin-foil hat speculation to protect me from thinking he's actually serious and that real people believe he's a good person. I desperately want to have more faith in humanity than that.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jan 6 at 2016 2:19 PM

2016-01-06T14:19:38-05:00

He is the Howard Sterns of politics.

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Feb 1 at 2016 11:35 AM

2016-02-01T11:35:08-05:00

Response by SSG Delanda Hunt made Feb 12 at 2016 9:43 PM

2016-02-12T21:43:19-05:00

No, more of a egomaniac, he is in love with himself and when you have a few billion dollars he really don't care because whatever happens he will still be very rich.

Response by CDR Michael Goldschmidt made Feb 15 at 2016 9:55 AM

2016-02-15T09:55:04-05:00

If you ask that question about Donald Trump, you really have to ask it about most every candidate on both sides of the aisle.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 15 at 2016 12:50 PM

2016-02-15T12:50:45-05:00

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member - Lieutenant; After watching "the campaign" for almost six months now, I think that Mr. Trump's "ideal running mate" would be Ethan Anthony Couch as their views of society appear to be almost identical.

Response by A1C Melissa Jackson made Feb 25 at 2016 8:58 PM

2016-02-25T20:58:12-05:00

The term "sociopath" is NOT a pejorative. Clinically it is similar but not the same as "Psychopath". Some of the most successful people on earth are sociopaths. While the term has a number of evil connotations- it doe NOT= serial killer. A number of people automatically associate the term with vicious killers- not so. I have read scholarly articles that opine that the majority of successful politicians, military leaders, and high success businessmen are to a level sociopaths.

Sociopaths are single minded in their pursuit of their goals. They do Not experience an excess of guilt for taking down their rivals or enemies. They are not particularly empathetic, and narcissism is a high common trait. Narcissism does not only suggest that they think they are the prettiest in the room, but it can also manifest itself with feeling they are the brightest person in the room, or that their interests and goals come FIRST before anyone else's.

The term "sociopath" is not an attack- it is a descriptor, and it explains does not condemn.

Response by PVT Raymond Lopez made Mar 17 at 2016 6:13 AM

2016-03-17T06:13:32-04:00

I suppose I had better not comment on some of my Marine friends say about "torch jockys" and their watches. If the come for me, I will roll over to my rifle and go to my God like a man!! The ladies are Marine rotor heads. I keep telling them if they did not terrible taste in blue they would make DAMNED good Cavalry officers!!!

Response by Maj John Bell made Jul 24 at 2016 9:59 AM

2016-07-24T09:59:22-04:00

Are you a provocateur? Never mud wrestle a pig, you both get dirty and the pig likes it.