It's a very interesting idea, but I think it plays a little close to the "Trump is playing 4-D chess" theory. That just gives him too much credit. I think he wants to dismantle the system for his own gain full stop.
For instance, what would be the interpretation of his stated desire to run for a third term in this "read between the lines" interpretation of Trump? There are definitely rules against that. I think it's about naked power and self-preservation and anything other than taking him at his word risks underestimating his rapaciousness.
It wasn't intended to imply he has some master plan—my bad if it did. I think he is very impulsive in coming up with these ideas—he operates by instinct. The Gaza proposal is a perfect example of that.
There is plausible theory that he has no interest other than his own enrichment, and that every one of these ideas is a potential way for him or his cronies to get a real-estate deal. But then some of his policies, like on immigration and tariffs, don't carry an obvious economic benefit to him. This piece by two very seasoned observers describes him thus: "...for decades, he has viewed the world as a collection of countries that are ripping America off. He is preoccupied by the question of how to gain leverage over other nations, whether they are allies or adversaries. And he searches for ways to use American power to dominate other countries and to extract whatever he can." https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/us/politics/trump-gaza-takeover.html
And yes, you're right, there are things where we should take him at face value, like running for a third term.
Fair, although I don't know how to separate it not all being about him and extracting "whatever he can." I think even his attempts to make America a cash cow are for personal gain. He's not been shy about enriching himself while in office.
Thanks for writing and taking the time to reply. Going to keep this interpretation in mind as his term unfolds.
It's a very interesting idea, but I think it plays a little close to the "Trump is playing 4-D chess" theory. That just gives him too much credit. I think he wants to dismantle the system for his own gain full stop.
For instance, what would be the interpretation of his stated desire to run for a third term in this "read between the lines" interpretation of Trump? There are definitely rules against that. I think it's about naked power and self-preservation and anything other than taking him at his word risks underestimating his rapaciousness.
It wasn't intended to imply he has some master plan—my bad if it did. I think he is very impulsive in coming up with these ideas—he operates by instinct. The Gaza proposal is a perfect example of that.
There is plausible theory that he has no interest other than his own enrichment, and that every one of these ideas is a potential way for him or his cronies to get a real-estate deal. But then some of his policies, like on immigration and tariffs, don't carry an obvious economic benefit to him. This piece by two very seasoned observers describes him thus: "...for decades, he has viewed the world as a collection of countries that are ripping America off. He is preoccupied by the question of how to gain leverage over other nations, whether they are allies or adversaries. And he searches for ways to use American power to dominate other countries and to extract whatever he can." https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/05/us/politics/trump-gaza-takeover.html
And yes, you're right, there are things where we should take him at face value, like running for a third term.
Fair, although I don't know how to separate it not all being about him and extracting "whatever he can." I think even his attempts to make America a cash cow are for personal gain. He's not been shy about enriching himself while in office.
Thanks for writing and taking the time to reply. Going to keep this interpretation in mind as his term unfolds.