Donald Trump and Kanye West are two peas in a pod. Not only do they know and respect each other — Kanye having visited the Oval Office last year, they’re both off-the-charts egotistical, arrogant, both addicted to fame, both erratic, unstable, and unpredictable, and both have a screw or two loose.
I am not a psychiatrist, and I am not qualified to diagnose, but it seems to me that narcissistic personality disorder sums up both of these public figures to a tee. Incedentally, Kanye has also been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
Self-importance is one of the key features of narcissistic personality disorder. The need to feel validated or praised is another. A lack of empathy or even sympathy goes hand-in-hand with this disease, as does the obsession with gaining power and influence, and a proclivity toward chaos. Those with narcissistic personality disorder are prone to bullying, hypersensitivity, and the need to get revenge on their detractors. Humble isn’t even a word in the dictionary for those who fall into this category.
It seems like Trump has continued to campaign for president since day-one of his administration. Rather than hold press conferences to talk about the news of the day, which lately given the impeachment inquiry is increasingly dour, he heads out to red-state Trump Country every few weeks to hold rallies where he is greeted with affirmations of applause, cheers, excitement, and ballyhoo.
There is an inclination for lying among narcissists— Trump often denies having said certain things despite the fact that there is evidential video.
Trump wants to be talked about on TV or on the internet by name. Mayor Pete Buttigieg — the candidate for president that just jumped to the top of the heap on the polls for the Iowa caucus and the New Hampshire primary, usually doesn’t dignify him by using his name, but rather says “this president.” Because that’s what Trump wants — an amplification of his celebrity and his brand.
As for Kanye, who believes he has recently experienced a spiritual awakening, oddball characteristics are also on full display. His latest album Jesus is King, is loaded with hip-hop paeans and testimonials to God. Earlier this month, the rapper announced he would be temporarily changing his name to “Christian Billionaire Genius Kanye West.”
Will Trump, Kanye or both go away anytime soon? Will Trump actually leave the Oval Office if he is voted out? Will hip-hop continue to give Kanye a soapbox?
I don’t use this word lightly, but both Donald Trump and Kanye West are completely bonkers. And the horrorshow soldiers on.
