“A Prince whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a tyrant is unfit to be the ruler of a free people.” — American Declaration of Independence.
“When a clown takes over a palace, he doesn’t become King, it’s the palace that becomes a circus.” — French Senator Claude Malhuret. (Referring to U.S. President Donald Trump)
Hard as it is for me to believe, it was former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau whose remark a few years ago was the catalyst for what I decided to write about this week. Referring to an issue of ongoing violence and lawlessness, he said, “It is important to get to the root of the problem.”
That maxim, in my view, applies in spades to United States President Donald Trump. What is the root problem here? What is it that drives his ambitions, his attitude and behaviour toward others and his insatiable thirst for recognition and praise?
In my view, the root of the problem with Donald Trump is his inherent belief in his own infallibility. He believes in his soul that he cannot be wrong. If something does go wrong, it is someone else’s fault. Trump believes first and foremost in himself. That belief covers everything he says and does. Figuratively speaking, it is etched into his DNA that he never loses and that he is always right.
I have mentioned before that decades ago, the Government Relations and Strategic Communications firm, of which I was the founding partner, represented the Trump organization in their bid for a casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Eventually, the choice was narrowed down to two, of which the Trump proposal was one, and those proponents were called to Toronto for a final interview.
Donald Trump sent his in-house lawyer, who, instead of promoting the Trump proposal, accused the Selection Committee and the other remaining proponent of bias and all sorts of other shady practices.
I am not sure that the Trump Casino Proposal would have won in any event, but that performance put a cap on it, and the other guy got the contract. I don’t know whether Donald Trump just threatened the winning proponent with a lawsuit or actually sued, because by then I had lost interest. I do know he did one or the other. It was clear that in Donald Trump’s mind, he had won and the process had been stacked against him.
It was only in retrospect, due to events since Donald Trump entered politics, that I realized that even then, at the time of the casino competition in Niagara Falls, he could not lose. It was always someone else’s fault.
It is that mindset, that belief, that he can never be wrong and that he always wins, that still drives Donald Trump today. He truly believes that he won the 2020 presidential election in the United States, in spite of all the evidence to the contrary, because he never loses and he never concedes. He thrives in that belief.
And it is that belief that makes Donald Trump a narcissist. It’s all about him. He has an obsessive preoccupation with himself and an insatiable thirst for recognition. Everything comes back to that.
Hence, he unabashedly and embarrassingly lobbied for the Nobel Peace Prize. When he didn’t get it, he wrote to Jonas Gahr Store, the Prime Minister of Norway. “Dear Jonas: Considering your country decided not to give me the Nobel Peace Prize for having stopped eight wars plus, (a complete fabrication) I no longer feel an obligation to think purely of peace.”
Trump renamed the John F. Kennedy Center to give top billing to himself. He excels at placing his name in large lettering on buildings, hotels and even consumer products. While in office, there is a well- documented pattern of self-promotion that goes beyond what is typical, even by modern political standards. Some of that is his classic branding instinct of the Trump name, and some of it edges into the use of public office to reinforce his personal image as he believes it to be.
Donald Trump will never allow anyone to overshadow him. No one can be greater than him. That ingrained belief covers everything he says and does. That is why he constantly mocks, bullies, and threatens people he wants to discredit or destroy.
In my view, nothing demonstrates more clearly that Donald Trump is a legend in his own mind than his unilateral declaration of war on Iran, whatever else he may have called it. He believes he has the power and the right to say and do whatever he wants, without restriction.
There was no consultation with his allies about Iran, nor any warning about what he intended to do. He ignored his own intelligence leadership, which told him there was no present and immediate danger that the United States would be attacked by Iran. By his own admission, he listened instead to his son-in-law, who urged him to attack Iran.
Now things have changed because the war is not going as Trump would like. He signalled regime change to wipe out a terrorist and antisemitic ruling class in Iran. That has not happened. When one leader is killed, another one pops up, like targets in a shooting gallery.
Iran has demonstrated more military strength than Trump anticipated, and his administration grossly misinterpreted the consequences to the world economy related to the closing of the Strait of Hormuz, which is controlled by Iran. It is a war that was to last a matter of days and is now into its second month. It is also a war that remains unauthorized by the Congress of the United States.
In my view, because he is always right, Donald Trump will do one of two things. He may double down in Iran, put boots on the ground and escalate the confrontation to the point where a much greater and more horrific conflict could result.
More likely, Trump will declare victory in a war that never met its objectives; perhaps with some concessions, but with no real regime change and indeed, leaving behind a wounded animal with the capacity to recover and seek increased revenge upon all of its opponents, especially those in the Middle East.
In that event, a strategic withdrawal, Trump will blame everyone but himself. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence, will be the first to have their heads on the chopping block. The President is already laying the ground for that.
Next will be America’s allies, who did not immediately jump to attention when Trump, without consulting them or asking for their help, decided to attack Iran. He forgets that it took America two years to join its allies in World War II.
Trump will accuse Western Allies of never coming to the aid of the United States. He will forget that the only time NATO itself has gone to war was to help protect the United States after the September 11 attacks on that country. He will also ignore the fact that 1,148 non-U.S. troops gave their lives in the U.S. war in Afghanistan and that 318 non-U.S. troops paid the ultimate sacrifice when the U.S. invaded Iraq.
If things continue to go badly for Donald Trump in Iran and the Middle East, he will either pretend that they didn’t or he will blame everyone else. He will double down at home. He will do everything he can to disrupt the mid-term elections and maintain control of Congress if things are not going his way. He will increase tariffs and threats against NATO and America’s allies. He will continue to turn the White House into a palace fit for his exalted stature. That is simply his nature. Donald Trump does not lose. He wins.
That is at the root of who Donald Trump is. His egotistical omnipotence makes him one of the most dangerous men on earth. Everything is predicated on what is best for him. If he has to be a despot or dictator to accomplish that, so be it.
Western leaders, including Prime Minister Mark Carney, need to come to grips with who Donald Trump really is and recognize that what is at the root of his character and indeed his very existence will make it impossible for him to change. There may be wisdom in trying to placate the leopard, but it is not going to change its spots. The problem is not the people of the United States. The problem is an unhinged Donald Trump.
The Western World needs to move on from the world of Donald Trump and find other ways to flourish or suffer the consequences.
A tough nut to crack, I agree, but bordering on necessity, if not reality.
Because Donald Trump never loses.
Hugh Mackenzie.
Hugh Mackenzie has held elected office as a trustee on the Muskoka Board of Education, a Huntsville councillor, a District councillor, and mayor of Huntsville. He has also served as chairman of the District of Muskoka and as chief of staff to former premier of Ontario, Frank Miller.
Hugh has also served on a number of provincial, federal and local boards, including chair of the Ontario Health Disciplines Board, vice-chair of the Ontario Family Health Network, vice-chair of the Ontario Election Finance Commission, and board member of Roy Thomson Hall, the National Theatre School of Canada, and the Anglican Church of Canada. Locally, he has served as president of the Huntsville Rotary Club, chair of Huntsville District Memorial Hospital, chair of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, president of Huntsville Festival of the Arts, and board member of Community Living Huntsville.
In business, Hugh Mackenzie has a background in radio and newspaper publishing. He was also a founding partner and CEO of Enterprise Canada, a national public affairs and strategic communications firm established in 1986.
Currently, Hugh is president of C3 Digital Media Inc., the parent company of Doppler Online, and he enjoys writing commentary for Huntsville Doppler.
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I think the ‘fool on the hill’ and his manic minion are overstepping just a bit. ‘the donald’ claims to know what God is thinking. I suppose we should all have an idea as to what our God thinks. And they suggest too, that God has picked a side. I don’t think we should be getting into the bit about “God is on our side.” The crusades are long past. The marching at the head of an army with a cross on the banner has already been done. And such a bad location to get into religion. Even in a board game. And yet they have.
I find it rather curious that a rescued pilot/weapons system officer. would state “God is good”. I’m glad he’s home safe, but I’m sure he wasn’t there to promote good will. ‘Though the statement causes me to wonder.
Was He good when He let that fool put you in harms way?
Or how good was it that an ‘alternate believer’ with a simple, hand held SSM (surface to surface) missile fetched you down.
How ’bout when you found yourself wounded and living in a crack in a rock?
How was your head, considering a good portion of a local populace was seeking you. You and I can imagine their intention. Good with all that?
But, your first comment, so they claim, was that “God is good”. Just covering the bases? If I am right to assume your God is the same as mine, His view on war is rather complex
“Take the sword. Perish by the sword.” “A time for war a time for peace”. “Vengeance is mine.” And in the scriptures, I think he is speaking mostly to Israelites and against murder. I’m sure there are those who will profess otherwise.
We were given the freedom of choice and faith. My choice, ‘though biased I’m sure, might be a charred ‘rump of trump’ , bolt of lightning still firmly attached. And the speech bubble from a cloud over minion Hegseth would read “coming for ya”.
That would look good to me. Might not be a loss. Maybe just an attitude adjustment.
When someone never loses, it behoves the people around them to stop letting them cheat!
Mark Carney is well aware of what Trump is all about and he’s been relentlessly taking measures to protect our sovereignty. He has come to grips with the Donald.
I disagree with your opinion that “the problem is not with the people of the United States.” That many voted for Trump despite clear signs of what he’s about is problematic. Millions still follow this cruel, narcissistic, misogynistic, sexist, racist, homophobic, lying, corrupt, greedy, unstable president without question is scary and problematic, in my opinion. The path to ‘Make America Great Again’ is laid out in Project 2025. It’s accessible to anyone who wants to read it.
Trump was voted in twice. TWICE. So, yes, the problem is Trump and, the sheep who follow him.
Remember Trump’s reign of terror is temporary. The future can only get better.
All the next presidential candidate has to do is say they will reverse all of Trump’s ridiculous moves.
Trump’s reign of terror may actually be over this year.
“Democrats only need to flip three more seats to win the House, and according to the non-partisan Cook Political Report, a whopping eighteen races have shifted into the blue column.”
I understand it’s down to one now.
Trump could lose Congress even before the midterms where it’s practically guaranteed he will lose the house and the senate.
The Supreme Court has ruled Trump’s tariffs are illegal and the US has to pay back billions.
Trump’s ridiculous moves are already being reversed.
I believe things will go back to the way they were after Trump is gone.
Could be starting before the next US election.
Trump’s reign of terror is temporary.
I’m done with the world trying to rationalize the antics of a fool. A powerful one indeed, but a fool just the same. Here on Doppler some really knowledgeable people have written of and suggested a modus for dealing with ‘the donald’. All power to them, but I find it a fool’s errand to try and rationalize the contortions of a mental cripple. There is no logic, reason, compassion, argument or subjugation that can be offered to or by him to penetrate the darkness of his world.
And his moments of decision can lay waste to vast areas, bringing death and destruction to people who really just want to be free from fear and have a chance of just getting by. The greatest fear I have now is that he, along with Hegseth and the chicken-hawks will put young American lives in harm’s way. Americans have already learned that a ‘standoff distance’ is great in the conducting of a war. They just refuse to accept part two of that lesson. Push comes to shove, it’s the grunt on the ground who will carry the day.
The ability of Iran to fight has been compromised for sure, but no one knows what the regime will risk to survive. Can they be any less resolved than Israel who will risk it all, including tactical nuclear. “Never again” is not just for the sound bite. ‘the donald’ once vowed that he (the USA) would “totally destroy North Korea”. The N. Korean foreign leader compared ‘the donald’ to a barking dog. Because China will not allow the possibility of tactical nuclear being used on another Asian people. The American leadership is facing the prospect of having to go ‘boots on the ground’ in Iran.
Logistics never won on Vietnam. Logistics never won in Afghanistan. Logistics is taking a beating in Ukraine. Iran is like the “Revenge’. Sir Richard Grenville’s ship which stood against the Spanish fleet. In the words of Tennyson the enemy “lay round us all in a ring. But they dared not touch us again, for they feared that we still could sting.” And how badly can Iran still sting? Boots on the ground and we will find out. I have no love of the regime in Iran, but for me the actions of the US were the actions of a coward. How do you cheer for either.
I was taught to never wish ill upon anyone. I’ve strove to adhere to what I was taught and at times it’s been tough. But I don’t think anything like ‘the donald’ was contemplated by my teachers. His affront to my sensibilities is outside the box. So I’ll humm to him a little ‘Masters of War’ by Dylan. “And I’ll stand over your grave ‘Til I’m sure that you’re dead.” Pretend you’re hearing Eddie Vedder.
Surely a little music can’t hurt.
There’s a lot of understandable frustration right now, especially around trust. But stepping back, this moment is also exposing something important.
When a major partner becomes less predictable, it’s often a sign of deeper internal strain. We’re seeing the bigger picture of how grievance and division can reshape politics, often through a style that favours simpler, more forceful approaches to leadership. That doesn’t stay contained within one country. It affects how others engage and how stable relationships feel from the outside.
Canada’s strength in this moment isn’t in reacting louder or taking sides in that cycle. It’s in not being pulled into it. We have disagreements, as every country does, but we’ve largely kept our focus on institutions, continuity, and moving forward together even when we don’t agree on everything. That’s what allows Canada to stay steady while reducing exposure, expanding trade relationships, and strengthening our own economic base.
The U.S. will remain an important partner, but it isn’t a single voice. Many businesses and institutions depend on stable ties with Canada and have an interest in keeping that relationship working. As Canada expands its partnerships and reduces overdependence, that shift is being noticed. It doesn’t break the relationship, but it does change the balance, especially when stability becomes more valuable.
Unity doesn’t mean the absence of disagreement. It means not letting grievance define the direction of the country. And in a moment like this, that difference matters.
Hugh…..I heartily agree with just about everything in this piece with one exception.
Mark Carney 100% understands who Donald Trump is, and is meandering through the minefield better than any leader in the free world.
Right on Hughie…..
It is ironic that it was a remark from Justin Trudeau, himself an unbearable narcissist, that was the catalyst for this commentary. But I agree with this assessment of Trump. He does himself no favors with his dysfunctional behavior. It makes it very hard for people to warm to him. His own narcissistic behavior, and his heavy-handed approach in the execution of his duties, overshadows what could otherwise be seen as well-intentioned policies. However, his irrational actions, especially with the latest Iran debacle, inevitably cast doubts on his motives. At a time when honest, ethical and principled political leadership is in such short supply around the world, this is a lost opportunity for the leader of the free world to set an example for others to follow.
He is one spoiled sick puppy who like his supporters care only about money. Today’s news said he has spent $100 million on golf outings since being reelected. Unbeleivable.
You mentioned Hugh, ” The problem is not the people of the United States.” Although, that may be true to some extent, we must remember that enough people voted for Trump to put him in office a second time. I was shocked when they put this maniac in office the first time around but forgave the American people for being sucked in by his grandstanding and promises. When he ran for the 3rd time, I was positive he would not win. If I was a betting man, I would have put up everything I owned that he would lose. I was wrong! So, yes I do blame the American people. Of course, not ALL the American people but there is enough of them that are totally brainwashed that now, we have this goon running around without any checks and balances in place.
Here in Alberta where I live, we have our own set of morons. Yes, I called them morons, that want to separate from Canada and join the U.S.A. In all fairness, some just want to make Alberta their own country but I’m pretty sure, the leaders of this bunch, want to join the U.S.A. It was bad enough having to look at jacked-up pickups with F%#@ Trudeau stickers on the back window, now I have to look at American flags flying from their black, smoke spewing, noisy redneck trucks. Thank you Mr. Carney for being our Prime Minister. You give me hope that Canada will survive. Thank you people of Canada for being intelligent, educated and informed enough to not go down the path that the U.S.A. finds itself in with their self-centered leader. Unbelievable!
I would say that Prime Minister Carney knows exactly who he is dealing with and is taking steps to move Canada away from the US. All positive and certainly against the so called winner. He is playing him perfectly, so far. Give him a little but take away lots.
Trump is asserting US dominance over the Americas, starting with Venezuela .
Look up the Monroe Doctrine, President James Monroes 1823 declaration of US supremacy in the Americas.
Is Canada nexr ?
This column centers on Donald Trump. Most Canadians, and increasingly others around the world, will recognize much of what’s described here. Hugh’s Niagara Falls anecdote underscores that these patterns are not new, which is precisely why they can’t be treated as temporary or personality-bound.
But it also points to a broader reality: how does a country like ours stay steady when even close allies can become less predictable, not just because of leadership style, but because of internal institutional strain. The headline is personality. The governing reality is resilience. Canada cannot organize itself around any one leader or moment. It has to build economic strength, modernize infrastructure, and expand relationships beyond a single partner. That work is already underway. It reflects a deliberate shift toward reducing exposure and increasing independence. This isn’t ideological. That’s how countries reduce risk and maintain their footing in a more uncertain environment. And Canada is already moving deliberately in that direction.
What’s becoming clearer, including in communities like ours, is that this approach is resonating across traditional political lines. The country isn’t broken, but the noise in parts of the debate can make it feel that way, and at times can reinforce existing narratives without addressing the larger structural challenge. Beneath that, there is a growing recognition that steady, disciplined, long-term nation-building is not a partisan position. It’s a national one. And it’s how Canada moves forward with confidence and earns respect without having to demand it.
Here, here, Paul Whillans. I agree that laser focus on the middle class is the answer. Although I for one greatly appreciate Hugh’s personal summation of Trump’s Narcissistic Personality Disorder. We’re all aware that we’re whirling in the tornado of a madman, but Hugh so accurately and succinctly pulls it all together in a way that exposes the disease for exactly what it is. Order and knowledge can help promote calm. Know your enemy.
Reading your column was a bleak way to start the week, but quips aside, you nailed it. What gave me a measure of hope was seeing the roughly eight million Americans who turned out at “No Kings” protests across the country this weekend, calling out the dysfunction they see in their president.
Where I part company with you is on the suggestion that Mr. Carney doesn’t fully grasp who and what DJT is. I suspect he understands it all too well and is choosing to be deliberately circumspect as he navigates dealing with a deeply flawed occupant of the White House.
There are well-worn strategies for handling narcissists whether in families, workplaces, or positions of power. I won’t list them all, but the one that seems most relevant here is this: build a strong support system and a clear exit strategy. That, along with the classic “grey rock” approach – remaining as neutral and unresponsive as possible to provocation – strikes me as exactly the course Mr. Carney is taking.
There are no lessons to be learned from analysis of Donald Trump’s character.
Simply put, as tweeted by David Frum, Donald Trump is “The worst human being to have entered the Presidency….. and I include all the slave-holders.”
The lesson to be learned is abour the Trump base and how he got elected …twice. His base is a gaggle of voters who have been left behind as society progresses. …those who have been disenfranchised by institutional America.
This is the true root cause of the Trump phenomenon. And we see it here in Canada, too.
The lesson to be learned is that political parties need to become laser focused on policies that directly and positively impact the vulnerable and the middle class…..forget HST rebates diluted by the well to do …..forget defence as a priority….forget oil….forget tensions with the US….while presumably government can walk and chew gum at the same time, every policy needs to be viewed primarily through the lens of how it impacts the middle class…..
In not….our Trump is out there….and every four years holds the potential for the return of chaos