During a rally in Glendale, Arizona, last night, Donald Trump once again demonstrated his tendency to dominate the spotlight. In the middle of a speech by Sean Newland, the president of a police association, Trump abruptly interrupted, stating, “You gotta go,” and quickly took over the microphone himself. The abruptness of the moment left Newland visibly surprised, but this wasn’t an isolated incident for Trump. His tendency to seize control of any stage has been a hallmark of his public persona.
Trump’s need to dominate events, even those not explicitly centered on him, reflects a pattern of behavior commonly associated with narcissistic tendencies. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), individuals with narcissistic traits display a grandiose sense of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others source: DSM-5. While diagnosing someone from afar would be inappropriate, Trump’s public actions align with many of these traits, particularly in situations where he feels the need to command attention.
The Glendale rally incident is not an anomaly. During his presidency, Trump was notorious for sidelining others, including his own experts, to promote his personal views. One well-known instance occurred during a COVID-19 briefing in 2020, where Trump frequently interrupted Dr. Anthony Fauci and other public health experts to push his own narrative, even when it contradicted scientific advice source: Voice of America. This need to control the conversation, regardless of the context, has been a consistent feature of his leadership style.
Yikes, looks like the President of the Arizona Police Association is using up more time than Trump wanted to give him pic.twitter.com/cAioTYT5nH
— Acyn (@Acyn) August 24, 2024
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Even before his presidency, Trump’s inclination to dominate was on full display during the 2016 debates. During one debate with Hillary Clinton, he interrupted her a staggering 51 times in just 90 minutes source: The Guardian. This behavior wasn’t merely a debate tactic—it was emblematic of Trump’s broader need to make himself the focal point, even in situations meant to be more balanced.
Rallies, in particular, have become Trump’s stage for this behavior. These events, designed to energize his supporters, often devolve into spectacles where Trump’s monologues take center stage, regardless of who else is scheduled to speak. The incident with Newland in Glendale mirrors this pattern: whether it’s journalists, political opponents, or even his own supporters, Trump rarely allows anyone else to share the spotlight for long.
Political commentators and psychologists have long noted Trump’s behavior aligns with characteristics associated with narcissism, particularly his need for constant attention and his reluctance to let others take center stage. As noted in The Atlantic, Trump’s public persona reflects a textbook example of someone who thrives on controlling the narrative at all times source: The Atlantic. This compulsion to dominate is not just a political strategy—it’s an inherent aspect of his personality.
For Trump’s base, these behaviors are often seen as a strength—a sign of a decisive leader unwilling to share the limelight with anyone. But for others, they raise concerns about Trump’s ability to build coalitions or work collaboratively in critical moments. In the political sphere, where teamwork and shared messaging are vital, Trump’s need to be the sole voice can limit his ability to forge lasting alliances.
Sean Newland’s speech in Glendale was cut short, but it serves as yet another reminder of Trump’s constant need to reassert his presence. For his supporters, it’s part of the show they’ve come to expect. For those watching from the sidelines, it’s another example of how Trump’s leadership style revolves around one central figure: Donald Trump himself.
Featured image via screengrab
