THE DAILY BLAST with Greg Sargent Donald Trump’s America Is Deeply Unwell, and It’s Time to Say So
Apr 13, 2026
Alan Elrod, political theorist and writer, offers a sharp take on American civic malaise and the rise of personalist rule. He unpacks Trump’s transactional, principle-free behavior and misreading of power, probes the social roots of conspiracism, and argues for long-term civic repair through rebuilding community ties.
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Truth Social Reveals Personalist Presidency
- Donald Trump’s Truth Social posts reveal transactionalism, amorality, and incompetence in his presidency.
- Greg Sargent and Alan Elrod point to posts attacking allies and misunderstanding Iran as windows into a personalist, unprincipled rule.
Trump's Flip On Alex Jones Shows Loyalty Is Transactional
- Alan Elrod contrasts Trump's past praise for Alex Jones with a later denunciation after Jones criticized him.
- This flip shows Trump rewarded supporters until they personally crossed him, not from principle or empathy.
Malignant Narcissism Explains Political Behavior
- Elrod describes Trump as a malignant narcissist who cannot conceive of others beyond himself.
- That psychology explains why supporters praising him are untouchable while critics are dehumanized and threatened.
