Trump may need a reality check

Donald Trump held a press conference after the NATO meetings in Brussels. At one point his reply to a question was, “I am very consistent...I am a very stable genius.” That statement requires some consideration regarding the man's self-proclaimed intelligence.

While there is little doubt the current president of the United States is a narcissist, his overt narcissistic behaviour more than hints at a lack of innate intelligence. Trump's behaviour also points to the fact he has not learned lessons related to acceptable social behaviour and basic protocol.

A smart narcissist will try to impress and manipulate others in a subtle way...and understands that being a braggart tends to turn people off. Donald Trump somehow has not clued into the fact that most humans find his self-proclaimed abilities and level of power to be laughable. A few things he has bragged about are the sexual advances toward women – that he can kiss, grab genitals, and grope without their consent.

The intelligent narcissist would realize that making such statements amounts to admission of sexual assault. There is a long list of women who have charged Trump with sexual harrassment and sexual assault; thus, it probably would be much smarter if he were to zip his lips regarding uninvited conquests.

There seems to be no limit to the things Donald Trump is willing to brag about. He has bragged about making billions of dollars...yet filed for bankruptcy four times and left creditors and contractors holding the bag. He even bragged about his humility in a Meet The Press interview.

Trump bragged about numbers attending his inauguration - numbers which existed only in his mind. The numbers of people marching in protest as part of the Pink Hat movement, and the numbers marching during Trump's visit to England and Scotland were something the president would likely not wish to heed. Or possibly he might twist those occurrences around to fit his own perceptions...possibly seeing the crowds marching as an indication of honouring him.

There have been some additional indications that a reality check regarding Trump's level of intelligence might be in order. One indication that he might be a slow learner happened during his visit with Queen Elizabeth on July 13. While touring the castle grounds Donald Trump actually walked in front of the Queen...more than once. It would seem that lessons in protocol were not well learned. Another situation occurred as he travelled to Scotland and stayed at the golf resort he owns. He repeatedly advertised his trip to the property, and again caught the attention of ethics experts who have indicated that Trump should not profit off the presidency. Since becoming President, Trump has made many visits to Mar-a-Lago and has also played a bit of golf at his club in Bedminster, New Jersey. The “Presidential” publicity has been good for business...but raises serious questions regarding ethics.

It is likely there have been many around President Trump who have repeatedly attempted to give the man a reality check...or two. It may be that the guy cannot comprehend what is being said to him, or he may be living in his own small world - with his own version of reality. If that is the case any number of attempts at a reality check is probably doomed to failure.

Shirley Hallee is a freelance writer living in Amherst. Her column appears weekly in the Amherst News.