What do authoritarian figures like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Donald Trump have in common? While their leadership styles share authoritarian traits, it is their strategic use of language that links them in a particularly insidious way. By referring to political opponents as “vermin,” “parasites,” and in Trump’s case, “animals” or “radical-left thugs,” these leaders didn’t just insult their adversaries. They employed language designed to dehumanize, laying the groundwork for exclusion, persecution, and even violence. This rhetoric doesn’t merely divide—it alters how people think and act on a fundamental level, shifting moral boundaries.
But why does this type of language resonate so deeply, even within modern democracies? How do leaders use rhetoric that evokes fear and hatred to manipulate entire populations? The answer lies in human psychology. Through the lens of schema therapy, we can understand how this rhetoric taps into deep emotional patterns and coping mechanisms that shape human behavior, often unconsciously. These processes make people vulnerable to manipulation, especially during times of uncertainty or perceived threat.
In this article, we explore the historical use of dehumanizing rhetoric, the psychological vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to such language, and how these tactics have been echoed in Donald Trump’s rhetoric. First, we examine how figures like Hitler, Stalin, and Trump use demonizing language to gain influence and maintain power. Next, we explore how authoritarian language exploits schemas—core emotional beliefs that drive behavior—and how fear and insecurity activate these schemas. We also examine Trump’s observable traits, such as his need for admiration and confrontational communication style, which influence his political strategies. Finally, we explore how schema therapy provides a framework for recognizing these manipulations, helping individuals think critically and resist divisive narratives.
This is not just an analysis of history repeating itself. It is a guide to understanding why such rhetoric works—and what we can do to prevent its harmful effects from taking hold.
Disclaimer:
This article was written in adherence to strict ethical guidelines. It aims to explore historical and psychological perspectives on authoritarian rhetoric without promoting or endorsing harmful ideologies. The analysis of figures such as Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Donald Trump is intended purely for educational purposes, using schema therapy as a framework to explain vulnerabilities to manipulative language. At no point does this article cross ethical boundaries into inappropriate comparisons or unsupported conclusions. The focus remains on fostering critical thinking, empathy, and emotional resilience.
I. The Historical Playbook of Dehumanization
The Power of Language: Hitler and Stalin
In the 20th century, authoritarian leaders like Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin used language as a powerful tool to divide, manipulate, and incite violence. Hitler referred to Jews as “vermin” and “parasites,” terms designed to strip an entire population of its humanity. Nazi propaganda compared Jews to rats and insects, playing on fears of contamination and disease. As historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains in Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, “Dehumanization is the first step toward mobilizing for violence. Once people are seen as animals or filth, violence against them becomes easier to justify.”
This was not mere insult; it was a calculated strategy to desensitize the public to the horrors that would follow. By dehumanizing their enemies, leaders like Hitler and Stalin removed moral barriers that might have otherwise prevented atrocities. Stalin, for example, referred to his political opponents as “poisonous weeds” and “enemies of the people,” justifying mass arrests, executions, and forced labor camps as necessary for national security.
A Modern Revival: Donald Trump’s Use of Rhetoric
In modern times, we see echoes of these tactics in Donald Trump’s language. During his presidency and in his 2024 campaign, Trump has employed rhetoric that dehumanizes his opponents and marginalized groups. He has described immigrants as an “invasion” and referred to them as “animals.” One of his most infamous statements was, “They are not people; they’re animals.” This kind of language, reminiscent of fascist rhetoric from the 1930s, dehumanizes groups, making it easier for followers to justify hostility, exclusion, and even violence.
This strategy is not limited to immigrants. Trump frequently labels his political opponents as “radical-left thugs” or “enemies from within,” creating a narrative that pits “us” against “them.” This divisive language is not incidental—it is designed to mobilize his base by casting certain groups as existential threats to the nation. As Yale professor Jason Stanley notes in How Fascism Works, “When political opponents are dehumanized, it paves the way for extreme measures against them.” This erosion of moral boundaries makes it easier for people to rationalize harmful behavior toward those outside their perceived in-group.
II. Patterns of Manipulation: How Schema Therapy Explains Vulnerabilities
Ruth Ben-Ghiat has outlined several key strategies authoritarian leaders use to manipulate and control populations. These strategies, when viewed through the lens of schema therapy, reveal how figures like Trump activate deep psychological vulnerabilities, making individuals more open to manipulation.
- Dehumanization: The first step in authoritarian manipulation involves dehumanizing opponents. By labeling groups as “vermin” or “animals,” leaders strip away their humanity, making violence easier to justify. Trump’s rhetoric about mass deportations and immigrants as a threat mirrors this tactic. In schema therapy, this taps into the mistrust/abuse schema, which makes individuals feel constantly threatened by perceived outsiders.
- Cult of Personality: Authoritarian leaders often cultivate an image of themselves as infallible, encouraging near-religious devotion from their followers. Trump’s assertion that “only I can fix it” and the loyalty displayed at his rallies resemble this dynamic. Followers who feel disconnected or isolated are particularly vulnerable to this appeal, as their social exclusion/alienation schema makes them long for a sense of belonging. Trump offers this through an exclusive “in-group” narrative, reinforcing loyalty to him.
- Perpetuating Victimhood: Leaders often portray themselves and their followers as victims of external enemies. Trump’s repeated claims that the media, immigrants, or “radical-left” forces are attacking him and his supporters tap into the defectiveness/shame schema. For those already feeling inadequate or unworthy, these claims provide an external target for their insecurities, allowing them to project blame onto scapegoated groups.
- Attacking Institutions: Authoritarian leaders often erode trust in democratic institutions, framing them as corrupt or hostile. Trump’s attacks on the electoral process, the media, and the judiciary fit this pattern. For individuals with a mistrust/abuse schema, these attacks feel justified, reinforcing a worldview where the world is unsafe and institutions cannot be trusted.
- Normalizing Violence: Once dehumanization and victimhood are established, violence against perceived enemies becomes normalized. Trump’s calls for “mass deportation” and suggestions of using military force against protestors fit this step. For followers who enter bully/attack mode or predator mode in response to perceived threats, such language offers moral permission for aggressive behavior. It shifts the boundaries of what is acceptable, making harmful actions seem justifiable.
Expert Insights
Ben-Ghiat’s research helps us understand how these steps operate in contemporary contexts. She writes, “The purpose of dehumanization is to break down the moral barriers that prevent ordinary people from supporting or committing violence.” This applies not only to historical figures like Hitler and Stalin but also to Trump’s use of rhetoric in the 2024 campaign, which challenges societal norms that protect democratic principles.
Similarly, Steven Hassan, author of The Cult of Trump, highlights how “dehumanizing language isolates followers from alternative viewpoints.” It creates an echo chamber where the leader’s voice dominates, further reinforcing schemas of mistrust, exclusion, and shame. This isolation strengthens authoritarian influence, making it difficult for followers to break free from the emotional and psychological hold these narratives create.
II. The Psychological Pull: Schemas and Vulnerability
Schema therapy provides a valuable framework for understanding how authoritarian leaders manipulate psychological vulnerabilities to gain and maintain power. Developed by Jeffrey Young, schema therapy focuses on deeply ingrained emotional and cognitive patterns, known as schemas, which are formed when core emotional needs are unmet in childhood. These schemas shape how individuals interpret the world as adults, often triggering intense emotional responses and guiding behavior, sometimes without conscious awareness.
Young describes schemas as “self-defeating emotional and cognitive patterns that we repeat throughout life.” These patterns develop from early experiences of trauma, neglect, or unmet needs for security, love, and acceptance. Authoritarian leaders exploit these vulnerabilities by tapping into pre-existing fears and insecurities, frequently overriding rational thought. When these emotional patterns are triggered, individuals may react automatically, driven by deep-seated feelings of mistrust, exclusion, or shame.
Key Schemas Exploited by Authoritarian Leaders
Mistrust/Abuse Schema – This schema develops in individuals who have experienced betrayal, abuse, or neglect, leading them to view the world as a dangerous place where others cannot be trusted. People with this schema are constantly on guard, expecting harm or exploitation from others. Authoritarian leaders often activate this schema by portraying outsiders or political opponents as existential threats, heightening feelings of insecurity.
For instance, when Donald Trump describes immigrants as “criminals” or “rapists,” it taps into the mistrust/abuse schema, particularly for those primed to see the world as filled with threats. Trump’s rhetoric reinforces the belief that external groups are dangerous, making his followers feel justified in supporting extreme measures to protect their safety. As Jason Stanley notes in How Fascism Works, “Fascist politics create a sense of crisis, where every outsider is seen as a potential danger.” By doing so, authoritarian leaders fuel a constant state of vigilance and fear among their followers.
In schema therapy, individuals with a mistrust/abuse schema may respond in one of three maladaptive ways:
• Surrender: Submitting to perceived threats and accepting mistreatment.
• Avoidance: Withdrawing from relationships or situations to avoid being hurt.
• Overcompensation: Adopting an aggressive or controlling stance to defend against perceived dangers.
Trump’s language often encourages overcompensation. His aggressive rhetoric prompts followers to respond to perceived threats with hostility. The language of “building walls” and “mass deportation” strongly resonates with those whose mistrust has been triggered, reinforcing the belief that drastic measures are necessary for protection.
Social Exclusion/Alienation Schema – This schema arises in individuals who have felt fundamentally different or rejected during childhood, leading them to believe they do not belong in larger society. Authoritarian leaders exploit this vulnerability by creating narratives of division, positioning their followers as part of a special “in-group” under threat from “outsiders” or political opponents.
Trump’s slogan, “Make America Great Again,” plays directly into this schema by appealing to those who feel disconnected from mainstream society. He offers a sense of belonging and validation to individuals who feel alienated. As Stanley explains, “Fascist politics create a unified group identity by excluding those labeled as different or dangerous.” This promise of belonging soothes the pain of social exclusion but often fosters divisive, exclusionary attitudes toward those outside the in-group.
Coping strategies for the social exclusion/alienation schema include:
• Surrender: Withdrawing from society, convinced of not belonging.
• Avoidance: Isolating oneself to avoid rejection or exclusion.
• Overcompensation: Becoming fiercely loyal to a group or cause, even at the expense of others.
Trump’s rallies illustrate overcompensation in action. Many of his followers, feeling marginalized by society, find belonging in his aggressive rhetoric and exclusionary policies. They become deeply invested in the idea that their group must protect itself from perceived threats, reinforcing the divisive narrative promoted by Trump.
Defectiveness/Shame Schema – This schema develops in those who experienced criticism, neglect, or feelings of unworthiness during childhood. Individuals with this schema believe they are inherently flawed and unlovable. Authoritarian leaders manipulate this vulnerability by offering external enemies to blame for personal failures or insecurities, providing an outlet for these painful emotions.
For individuals grappling with the defectiveness/shame schema, the chance to project their inner pain onto an external scapegoat can be intensely appealing. As Young explains, people with this schema may cope by demeaning others to divert attention from their own perceived flaws. When Trump dehumanizes immigrants by calling them “animals” or “invaders,” it allows followers to project their insecurities outward, gaining a sense of superiority by putting others down.
The coping strategies for the defectiveness/shame schema include:
• Surrender: Accepting their perceived defectiveness and tolerating mistreatment.
• Avoidance: Isolating oneself to prevent exposure of flaws.
• Overcompensation: Elevating oneself by criticizing or attacking others.
Trump’s rhetoric about walls and borders appeals to those struggling with this schema by framing others as dangerous or inferior. This narrative provides a way for followers to protect their fragile self-esteem by projecting their feelings of defectiveness onto those labeled as threats.
III. Coping Modes and the Dark Triad: Trump’s Manipulative Playbook
Authoritarian leaders don’t just appeal to fear or division—they engage deeper psychological processes to activate emotional states in their followers, turning them into agents of their agenda. In schema therapy, coping modes are the emotional and behavioral patterns that individuals adopt in response to their activated schemas. Leaders like Donald Trump, whose behaviors exhibit traits associated with the Dark Triad—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—are particularly effective in triggering these maladaptive coping modes.
Key Coping Modes Activated
Bully/Attack Mode: This is one of the most dangerous coping modes authoritarian leaders exploit. Followers in this mode lash out at others aggressively, often to protect themselves from perceived threats. Trump’s rhetoric often incites such behavior, for example, in his calls for followers to confront protestors.
Steven Hassan, in The Cult of Trump, explains that when individuals feel emotionally manipulated into believing they are in constant danger, they may abandon their moral compass and rely on the leader to guide them. Trump’s language frequently encourages violence by framing it as self-defense, allowing followers to justify aggressive behavior as necessary for survival. The mistrust/abuse schema, which perceives the world as inherently dangerous, fuels this mode, as Trump’s rhetoric taps into followers’ fear of being harmed or betrayed.
Predator Mode: In this mode, individuals view others as prey, coldly and strategically eliminating perceived threats. Trump’s dehumanizing language, such as calling immigrants “animals” or describing an “invasion,” taps into this mode, making violence seem necessary to protect the group. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat notes that dehumanization reduces the moral barriers that typically prevent people from engaging in violence, a tactic frequently used by authoritarian regimes.
When followers enter predator mode, their actions become calculated and ruthless, fueled by a sense that their survival depends on eliminating those deemed dangerous. Authoritarian leaders, like Trump, who display traits of the Dark Triad, exploit this mode by presenting their enemies as existential threats that must be eradicated.
Conning/Manipulative Mode: This mode involves deceitful or manipulative behaviors aimed at personal gain or avoiding consequences. Trump’s frequent use of misinformation models this behavior, encouraging followers to adopt similarly deceptive tactics in their lives. Jason Stanley, in How Fascism Works, argues that authoritarian leaders exploit emotional vulnerabilities by creating a sense of crisis that demands extreme solutions, often justifying manipulation in the name of self-preservation.
In conning/manipulative mode, followers are encouraged to bend the truth or use deceit as a tool for protecting themselves or their leader. The focus is on achieving a goal, even if it means compromising integrity or exploiting others.
The Narcissistic Connection: Overcompensation Modes
Leaders exhibiting Dark Triad traits often activate overcompensation modes in their followers, encouraging them to exaggerate their behavior to compensate for underlying insecurities. For example, attention-seeking and approval-seeking modes involve individuals seeking validation by mirroring the leader’s exaggerated rhetoric and actions.
At Trump’s rallies, followers may seek approval by emulating his behavior, aggressively chanting or displaying loyalty. Another common mode is self-aggrandizer, where followers adopt an inflated sense of entitlement and superiority. Trump’s focus on “winning” and being “the best” taps into this mode, encouraging followers to elevate themselves by asserting their superiority over others. This mindset leads to a dangerous erosion of empathy, with followers justifying aggressive, entitled behavior toward those perceived as outsiders.
How People Are Being Deceived
By activating these coping modes, authoritarian leaders like Trump manipulate followers into accepting harmful behavior as necessary. Whether through aggression, deception, or predatory actions, followers feel justified in violating moral boundaries. As Steven Hassan notes, understanding these psychological mechanisms is crucial to breaking free from manipulation. Leaders who foster fear, encourage violence, and model deceit are not just shaping the present but fundamentally altering how their followers perceive the world.
The exploitation of these modes weakens individual morality and undermines democratic societies, making it easier for authoritarian leaders to seize control. Recognizing these patterns is the first step toward challenging and resisting the manipulative tactics of those who seek to divide and dominate.
IV. The Cult-Like Appeal of Authoritarian Leaders
Followers Betraying Their Own Values
One of the most perplexing phenomena is how individuals who uphold religious values of compassion, forgiveness, and humility can support authoritarian leaders whose behaviors contradict these principles. Many of Trump’s most ardent supporters are devout Christians, yet they overlook behaviors that seem to conflict with Christ’s teachings. Steven Hassan explores this paradox in The Cult of Trump, explaining how leaders create environments where followers become dependent on them for validation and identity, with dissent seen as betrayal. This dependency can cloud judgment, making it difficult for followers to recognize moral contradictions.
Christ’s teachings, such as “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27), promote compassion and humility. However, Trump’s rhetoric often encourages division and aggression. He refers to political opponents as “radical-left thugs” or “enemies,” framing them in ways that stoke fear and anger, which runs counter to Christ’s message of reconciliation. His exhortation to “knock the crap out of” protestors highlights a stark contrast between his leadership style and the Christian value of promoting peace.
The Role of Cognitive Dissonance
Cognitive dissonance helps explain why followers can maintain support for a leader despite these contradictions. This psychological phenomenon occurs when individuals experience discomfort because their actions conflict with their beliefs. To resolve the tension, followers may suppress or adjust their values to align with their political allegiance. For example, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39) emphasizes kindness toward all people, yet Trump’s dehumanizing rhetoric regarding immigrants creates a narrative of “otherness” that frames these groups as threats rather than neighbors deserving of compassion.
Leon Festinger, who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance, observed that people often change their beliefs to justify actions that conflict with their values. For Trump’s religious followers, they may rationalize that his divisive rhetoric is necessary to protect their way of life, even if it conflicts with their faith’s teachings.
Social Media’s Influence
The rise of social media has amplified this cognitive dissonance. Platforms like Facebook and Twitter create echo chambers that reinforce existing beliefs while filtering out opposing viewpoints. Steven Hassan warns that social media platforms have become tools for manipulation, allowing authoritarian leaders to spread misinformation and dehumanizing rhetoric to millions, often without challenge.
In these echo chambers, followers are less likely to encounter perspectives that would challenge their support for authoritarian leaders. Instead, they are surrounded by like-minded individuals who reinforce the justification for their leader’s behavior, regardless of any conflicts with their moral values.
Approval-Seeking and Religious Loyalty
Another psychological dynamic that complicates the relationship between faith and authoritarian leadership is approval-seeking behavior. In schema therapy, this mode involves individuals craving validation from authority figures, which can lead to aligning their actions and beliefs with the leader’s demands. This need for approval can overshadow deeply held values, making followers more willing to overlook contradictions.
Jesus’s teachings on humility and service—“Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26)—contradict Trump’s self-aggrandizing rhetoric. Yet, many of his followers seem to mirror his focus on personal success and power, possibly driven by a desire for validation from a figure who positions himself as a savior. This dynamic can override religious values of modesty and compassion, as followers prioritize approval from their leader over adherence to their faith.
V. The Modern Amplifiers: Social Media, Isolation, and Manipulation
Robert Putnam’s Bowling Alone and the Decline of Social Capital
In Bowling Alone, Robert Putnam highlights how social capital—the networks and norms that promote community engagement—has significantly declined. He writes, “Our stock of social capital—the very fabric of our connections with each other—has plummeted, impoverishing our lives and communities.” As community ties weaken, people grow more isolated and vulnerable to the influence of authoritarian leaders. The absence of strong social connections leaves individuals seeking belonging elsewhere, making them susceptible to manipulative rhetoric.
The rise of technology has intensified this trend. Where social capital once thrived through face-to-face interactions, it now dissipates in the digital realm of social media. While platforms like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) were initially seen as ways to connect, they have instead fueled division and deepened social isolation. As Putnam observed, “Technology has paradoxically connected us and driven us apart.” Despite having hundreds of online friends, many users lack meaningful real-world connections.
The Rise of Tribalism in Digital Spaces
Social media platforms have fostered a dangerous kind of tribalism by reinforcing people’s existing beliefs. Algorithms on platforms like Facebook and X are designed to keep users engaged by feeding them content that aligns with their views. This “echo chamber effect” limits exposure to opposing ideas and stifles constructive dialogue. Philosopher Jason Stanley, in How Fascism Works, notes, “Outrage drives engagement, and engagement drives profit.” Social media companies benefit from promoting divisive content because it keeps people scrolling, sharing, and clicking.
This creates fertile ground for authoritarian rhetoric to spread, as dehumanizing messages reach broader audiences. Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains in Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present, “Democracy depends on shared truths and open dialogue. When social media fragments reality, it undermines the foundations of democratic society.” These platforms don’t just divide users—they build entirely separate realities for them, making common ground harder to find.
The Addictive Nature of TikTok and Its Implications
Platforms like TikTok take this further by employing addictive designs. Recent lawsuits revealed TikTok’s strategy of hooking users—especially teens—through its endless stream of short videos. TikTok’s internal research found that users form habits after just 35 minutes of scrolling, making it easy for them to lose time in mindless consumption.
This design has been linked to negative mental health outcomes like anxiety, loss of empathy, and diminished analytical skills. TikTok and other platforms encourage constant consumption, which leaves little room for reflection or critical thinking. The addictive nature of these apps is not unique to TikTok; other platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X use similar tactics to keep users engaged, contributing to a gradual erosion of critical thinking.
Social Media’s Role in Fueling Outrage and Division
Social media doesn’t just promote mindless consumption—it amplifies content that triggers emotional reactions. Algorithms prioritize posts that provoke outrage because they drive engagement. This has particularly dangerous implications in the political realm, where authoritarian figures like Trump use these platforms to manipulate public opinion. Trump’s incendiary rhetoric—calling immigrants “animals” or labeling opponents as “radical-left thugs”—gets magnified in this outrage-driven ecosystem.
The 2024 election cycle saw an uptick in disinformation campaigns, many of which were traced to Russian state actors. By manipulating social media, these campaigns amplify divisions and push people toward more extreme viewpoints, further destabilizing democratic institutions.
The Filter Bubble Effect: How Algorithms Trap Users
Social media platforms trap users in “filter bubbles”—self-reinforcing loops of content that align with their existing beliefs. This effect narrows users’ perspectives, presenting a distorted view of the world. TikTok’s internal research revealed that it takes just 30 minutes to draw users into a filter bubble. Once inside, users are often led to more extreme content, including harmful material related to self-harm or political extremism.
For users, especially teens, these filter bubbles can take a significant emotional toll. Consuming hours of content that reinforces fears, insecurities, or anxieties can lead to mental health challenges such as depression or body dysmorphia. The more isolated users become, the more susceptible they are to manipulation by authoritarian leaders.
The Role of X and Facebook in Political Manipulation
Platforms like X and Facebook have played a significant role in shaping political discourse. Elon Musk’s platform, X, has been accused of selectively amplifying content that favors Trump’s 2024 campaign, while stifling Democratic causes. Meanwhile, Facebook has long been criticized for promoting divisive content and enabling the spread of conspiracy theories. The algorithms of these platforms disproportionately elevate sensationalist content, pushing users toward more extreme viewpoints.
Social Media Addiction and the Erosion of Democracy
The addictive design of social media platforms and their ability to reinforce existing beliefs has serious implications for democratic society. As users become more addicted, they lose the capacity for critical thought, making them more vulnerable to manipulation. Social media creates an environment in which authoritarian leaders can quickly spread divisive rhetoric to millions, eroding the shared reality necessary for constructive political discourse.
This creates fertile ground for authoritarian control. As social media deepens divides, it becomes harder to address societal challenges in a unified, democratic way.
The Real-World Consequences of Digital Manipulation
The impact of social media manipulation is felt in the real world. Users become increasingly isolated and withdrawn, engaging only with digital communities that reinforce their views. This isolation fosters division, making it easier for authoritarian leaders to mobilize their followers toward exclusionary or violent policies. Steven Hassan, author of The Cult of Trump, stresses the importance of understanding these mechanisms: “Awareness is the first step toward breaking free from manipulation.”
Addressing the challenges of social media addiction and manipulation requires both individual awareness and systemic changes in how these platforms operate.
VI. Historical Patterns of Demonization: The Modern Echoes of Fascism
History has repeatedly shown that dehumanizing rhetoric leads to oppression. Throughout time, authoritarian leaders have used language to divide and marginalize, justifying violence against targeted groups. Trump’s rhetoric follows these patterns, echoing the strategies of past fascist leaders and tapping into psychological vulnerabilities that leave people susceptible to manipulation.
Other Times of Demonization
In Ancient Greece, demagogues labeled their rivals “barbarians,” using fear and division to consolidate power. This mirrors Trump’s references to immigrants as an “invasion,” presenting them as existential threats to the nation. Historian Timothy Snyder warns in On Tyranny, “When you refer to human beings as vermin or animals, you create an atmosphere where they can be treated as such.” This language lowers moral barriers, making harsh actions against the dehumanized group seem acceptable.
During the Black Death in medieval Europe, Jewish communities were scapegoated, accused of causing the plague. This scapegoating was orchestrated by leaders to unite the majority against a minority in times of crisis. Trump’s rhetoric about “radical Islamic terrorism” similarly stokes fear, making Muslims appear as a monolithic threat. Such tactics tap into feelings of social exclusion and mistrust.
In the 20th century, figures like Mussolini and Pol Pot used dehumanizing language to justify violence. Mussolini referred to minorities as parasites, and Pol Pot labeled intellectuals as enemies of the people. Trump’s use of phrases like “enemies of the people” to describe the press reflects this same tactic. Ruth Ben-Ghiat writes, “Dehumanization is the first step toward violence. Once you strip someone of their humanity, aggression becomes more acceptable.” Trump’s language sets the stage for such aggression.
Lessons from History
The parallels between Trump’s rhetoric and that of past authoritarian leaders are stark. By dividing people, exploiting crises, and presenting himself as the only solution, Trump follows a well-established authoritarian playbook. As George Santayana famously said, “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Recognizing these patterns is essential to resisting the manipulation of modern authoritarian leaders.
Understanding these historical patterns gives us the tools to resist manipulation and protect democracy from the pull of authoritarian rhetoric. By remaining vigilant and promoting open dialogue, we can work to safeguard our shared values before they are eroded by division and manipulation.
VII. Coping Modes and the Dark Triad: Trump’s Manipulative Playbook
Donald Trump’s manipulation of his followers aligns with psychological patterns seen in authoritarian leaders throughout history. However, his approach goes deeper, tapping into his followers’ emotional vulnerabilities and activating destructive coping modes. These modes are often linked to schemas—deep-rooted patterns of thinking formed by early life experiences—and are further exploited by Trump’s use of the Dark Triad personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. By triggering these maladaptive modes, Trump manipulates his followers’ emotions, driving them to act on fear and anger rather than rational thought.
The Dark Triad: A Key to Trump’s Influence
Trump’s behavior reflects the Dark Triad of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, traits that enable him to manipulate others effectively. These traits also allow him to exploit the schemas of his followers, tapping into their emotional vulnerabilities.
- Narcissism – Trump’s narcissism is evident in his constant need for admiration and his grandiose self-image. His followers respond by mirroring this admiration, often at rallies where they reinforce his ego. However, Trump’s narcissism is not just about self-importance; it is also a tool of manipulation. By positioning himself as the only person capable of “fixing” problems, he attracts followers who may struggle with feelings of defectiveness or shame. These followers align with Trump’s projected superiority, using his image as a way to mask their own insecurities.
- Machiavellianism – Trump’s manipulation of people’s fears is a hallmark of Machiavellianism. He taps into the mistrust/abuse schema by painting immigrants, minorities, and political opponents as threats to national security. This tactic reinforces followers’ fears, particularly those who have experienced trauma or neglect, validating their perception that the world is dangerous. In this way, Trump’s followers are driven into aggressive coping modes, justifying hostility and exclusion as necessary for self-preservation.
- Psychopathy – Trump’s lack of empathy and his willingness to harm others for personal gain are traits associated with psychopathy. His dehumanization of immigrants and political opponents—referring to them as “animals” or “radical-left thugs”—strips these groups of their humanity in the eyes of his followers. This makes it easier for followers to enter into predator modes, where they view others as threats to be eliminated rather than as fellow human beings.
As historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat explains, “Dehumanization is the first step toward mobilizing for violence. Once you turn people into animals or filth, violence becomes more acceptable.” Trump’s language enables his followers to view those he targets as less than human, lowering the moral barriers that usually prevent violence.
How Trump Activates Dangerous Coping Modes
Schema therapy identifies three primary coping strategies: surrender, avoidance, and overcompensation. Trump’s rhetoric is particularly effective in triggering overcompensation, driving followers to react with aggression, manipulation, or avoidance.
- Bully/Attack Mode – This coping mode is activated by fear and anger, driving individuals to lash out aggressively at perceived threats. Trump’s frequent use of hostile language, such as encouraging supporters to “knock the crap out of” protestors, directly triggers this mode. Followers feel morally justified in their aggression because their mistrust/abuse schemas have been activated, making them believe they are defending themselves against danger.
- Predator Mode – Predator mode is characterized by cold, calculated behavior aimed at eliminating perceived threats. Trump’s portrayal of immigrants as an “invasion” taps into this mode, encouraging followers to view these groups as enemies. Once in predator mode, followers feel justified in supporting extreme measures like deportations, believing that violence or exclusion is necessary for their safety.
- Conning/Manipulative Mode – Trump’s own behavior frequently exemplifies this mode. His use of misinformation, such as claiming that elections were “rigged,” models manipulative tactics that his followers then adopt. Followers in this mode believe that deception is justified if it protects their leader or advances their goals.
How People Are Being Deceived
Trump’s ability to exploit coping modes lies in his skill at bypassing rational thought. By stoking fear and presenting himself as the solution to manufactured crises, he triggers his followers’ schemas, leading them to act based on emotion rather than reason. As philosopher Jason Stanley notes, “Fascist politics exploits emotional vulnerabilities, creating a sense of crisis that demands extreme solutions.”
For many of Trump’s followers, the emotional impact of his rhetoric is unconscious. Their deep-seated schemas—particularly those tied to mistrust, fear, and shame—are triggered, causing them to react with heightened emotional responses. Trump’s manipulation works because it resonates on an emotional level, making his followers feel that they are in a constant state of danger. In response, they adopt extreme behaviors to cope with these perceived threats, whether through aggression, withdrawal, or manipulation.
Trump’s followers are often unaware of how deeply they are being manipulated. His rhetoric taps into their insecurities, fears, and emotional pain, controlling how they perceive reality and driving them to act in ways that serve his agenda.
VIII. The Collective Effort: Rebuilding Community and Connection
To break free from the cycle of manipulation and division that authoritarian leaders exploit, we must rebuild trust, empathy, and connection in our communities. This process begins with recognizing how these leaders have exploited our vulnerabilities and taking steps to heal both individually and collectively. Schema therapy provides a framework for this healing by emphasizing the Healthy Adult mode, which promotes emotional balance, rational thought, and strong social connections.
Rebuilding Social Capital: The Antidote to Isolation
Authoritarian leaders thrive on social isolation. As people become disconnected from their communities, they become more vulnerable to manipulation. Rebuilding social capital—defined by Robert Putnam as the trust and relationships that connect people—is essential to countering this. “Reconnecting with our communities is essential,” Putnam writes. “Strong social networks build trust and resilience against divisive forces.”
By fostering real-world connections, we can break the isolation that social media and political rhetoric create. Whether through volunteering, attending local events, or joining community groups, these face-to-face interactions build the resilience necessary to resist fear-driven narratives. The Healthy Adult mode, which fosters emotional stability and rational thinking, plays a crucial role in this process. This mode allows us to form secure, trusting relationships that provide a buffer against manipulation.
Counteracting Social Media Isolation
Social media platforms often deepen isolation by creating echo chambers where users only encounter ideas that align with their pre-existing beliefs. As Jason Stanley notes, “Media literacy is a crucial skill in the digital age. An informed populace is the best defense against manipulation.”
By seeking diverse perspectives and actively challenging our own biases, we can counter the harmful effects of social media. The Healthy Adult mode encourages us to evaluate information critically, question sensationalized rhetoric, and remain centered amidst emotional manipulation. This mode also fosters secure attachment, helping us maintain emotional balance while navigating the divisive content that social media promotes.
Inspiring Action Through Connection
Awareness of manipulation is the first step, but action must follow. Rebuilding community trust and resisting authoritarian manipulation requires mobilizing individuals and communities to stand against divisive rhetoric. As Ruth Ben-Ghiat notes, “By understanding how authoritarianism operates, we can mobilize to defend democratic values.”
The Healthy Adult mode can guide this mobilization by promoting empathy, rational thought, and meaningful connections with others. By embodying the qualities of a secure attachment figure, the Healthy Adult fosters emotional resilience and encourages people to engage in dialogue, listen to opposing viewpoints, and build understanding.
Our Schema Therapy Training Program is one example of how these principles can be applied. By creating a global community of therapists and individuals committed to healing, the program demonstrates how trust, empathy, and support can transcend borders and political divides. Through reduced tuition for economically disadvantaged countries and a special honorary commitment tuition for residents of Ukraine, we extend opportunities to those facing immense challenges, embodying the values of secure attachment and community support.
The Power of Secure Connection
Rebuilding community also requires fostering secure attachments, both in our personal relationships and within broader society. Just as a secure attachment figure provides emotional stability, the Healthy Adult mode gives us the emotional grounding necessary to face manipulation and division without succumbing to fear.
By cultivating the Healthy Adult in ourselves and others, we can build strong, resilient communities capable of withstanding the emotional manipulation that seeks to divide us.
Mobilizing for Change
The final step in rebuilding community and connection is mobilizing for collective action. This means resisting narratives of fear and division while promoting trust, empathy, and understanding. It requires ongoing dialogue within families, neighborhoods, and global communities.
By strengthening the Healthy Adult mode, fostering social capital, and resisting manipulation, we can build a society where dehumanization loses its power and trust and empathy prevail. Together, we can create a more resilient world—one where fear and division are replaced by connection and understanding.
Conclusion: The Clinician’s Role in a Divisive World
In an age where divisive, dehumanizing rhetoric profoundly shapes political landscapes, clinicians have an essential role in helping clients navigate the psychological effects of such manipulation. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of authoritarian influence and applying schema therapy principles, therapists can foster emotional resilience, empowering individuals to resist harmful narratives and build healthier connections both personally and socially.
In this article, we explored how Donald Trump’s rhetoric mirrors the authoritarian tactics employed by historical figures like Hitler and Stalin—using fear, division, and dehumanization to manipulate mass behavior. This language taps into deep psychological vulnerabilities, triggering maladaptive schemas related to mistrust, exclusion, and shame. Through the lens of schema therapy, we see how these tactics activate unhealthy coping modes, such as aggression and withdrawal, to further political agendas at the cost of individual and collective well-being.
We also examined how modern technology, particularly social media, amplifies these divisive strategies, creating echo chambers and filter bubbles that isolate individuals and deepen societal divisions. These platforms are designed to profit from outrage and fear, making it easier for leaders like Trump to manipulate public opinion and foster extremism.
However, hope remains. Clinicians can play a vital role in breaking this cycle. By using schema therapy, fostering critical thinking, and promoting empathy, therapists can help clients develop emotional strength, awareness, and resilience. Schema therapy offers a robust framework for identifying and challenging manipulative tactics, allowing individuals to build trust, connection, and critical reasoning. Through the Healthy Adult mode, we can collectively work to dismantle the psychological grip that authoritarianism can exert on society.
Clinicians can help foster communities built on trust, empathy, and understanding—creating a counterbalance to the rhetoric of division. One session, one client, and one community at a time, therapists can be key agents of change in a world struggling with fear-driven manipulation.
Clinical Applications for Schema Therapy in the Context of Authoritarian Rhetoric
1. Identifying Schema Triggers
- Intervention: Use tools like the Young Schema Questionnaire (YSQ) to help clients identify which schemas are activated by fear-based or dehumanizing political rhetoric.
- Application: Explore how political language taps into personal trauma or unmet needs, such as the Mistrust/Abuse schema, making clients more vulnerable to manipulation. This helps clients become more aware of how rhetoric influences their emotions.
2. Strengthening the Healthy Adult Mode
- Intervention: Guide clients in developing self-awareness through mindfulness exercises and reflective practices to strengthen their Healthy Adult mode.
- Application: Teach clients how to consciously adopt the Healthy Adult mode when faced with fear-driven political narratives, helping them respond calmly and rationally rather than being emotionally hijacked by manipulative messaging.
3. Cognitive Restructuring
- Intervention: Use cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge exaggerated or catastrophic beliefs, helping clients reframe authoritarian narratives.
- Application: Encourage clients to question the accuracy and intent behind inflammatory rhetoric, allowing them to see political “enemies” not as existential threats but as individuals with differing perspectives.
4. Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
- Intervention: Incorporate mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and grounding techniques to help clients manage anxiety triggered by divisive political messages.
- Application: When clients encounter anxiety-inducing rhetoric, encourage them to practice deep breathing or grounding exercises to stay present and regulate their emotions rather than reacting impulsively.
5. Promoting Empathy
- Intervention: Engage clients in experiential exercises like empty-chair dialogues or perspective-taking to cultivate empathy for groups or individuals demonized by political rhetoric.
- Application: Help clients humanize others by imagining their experiences and emotions, countering divisive narratives with compassion and reducing dehumanization.
6. Building Critical Thinking Skills
- Intervention: Teach clients media literacy strategies, such as fact-checking and recognizing bias, and encourage them to consume information from diverse, reputable sources.
- Application: Empower clients to identify manipulative tactics in the media, making them more discerning consumers of information and less vulnerable to authoritarian messaging.
7. Creating Secure Attachments in Therapy
- Intervention: Foster a secure therapeutic relationship, offering a space where clients can explore their fears, mistrust, and feelings of exclusion safely.
- Application: By healing attachment wounds in therapy, clients become more resilient to fear-based manipulation and less reliant on external validation from authoritarian figures.
8. Developing Resilience in the Face of Fear-Based Narratives
- Intervention: Implement resilience-building strategies such as emotional regulation, self-compassion, and problem-solving exercises.
- Application: Teach clients to recognize when fear-based narratives are exploiting their vulnerabilities, and equip them with tools to respond with confidence, resourcefulness, and self-compassion.
9. Supporting Community and Social Engagement
- Intervention: Encourage clients to engage in community activities and social networks, reducing feelings of isolation and building resilience against authoritarian influence.
- Application: Help clients connect with groups that promote empathy, inclusion, and diversity, creating supportive relationships that act as a buffer against divisive rhetoric.
By integrating these schema therapy-based interventions, clinicians can provide clients with the tools needed to resist authoritarian manipulation and foster emotional resilience, empathy, and critical thinking in a divisive world. As therapists work to rebuild trust and understanding, they contribute to a society where empathy prevails over fear, helping clients—and communities—move toward healing and unity.
References
- Ben-Ghiat, R. (2020). Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present. W. W. Norton & Company.
- Hassan, S. (2020). The Cult of Trump: A Leading Cult Expert Explains How the President Uses Mind Control. Simon & Schuster.
- Stanley, J. (2018). How Fascism Works: The Politics of Us and Them. Random House.
- Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema Therapy: A Practitioner’s Guide. The Guilford Press.
- Putnam, R. D. (2000). Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community. Simon & Schuster.
- Snyder, T. (2017). On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century. Tim Duggan Books.
- Festinger, L. (1957). A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance. Stanford University Press.
