He’s crazy! He’s nuts! He’s mentally ill! He’s unhinged! He’s mad!
The subjective opinions, analysis, descriptions, conclusions and insults have flowed freely and frequently in the short seven weeks Donald Trump has been the 47th President of the United States. (Seems much longer, doesn’t it!)
Well, he’s definitely mad! I told you so in this blog the day in January he has inaugurated: https://harveyoberfeld.ca/usa-2025-the-year-of-the-mad-hatter/ … but there’s no medical proof (so far) that the US President is ‘mad” clinically … ie crazy.
Too bad!
Because if he was, we could be understanding, even forgiving over some of the erratic, chaotic behaviour and just plain dumb insults/announcements/threats/actions Trump has delivered, often by decree, from his throne (oops, his desk) in the White House since taking office.
However, if the US President is NOT insane, then the reality is much worse!
It means the Mad Hatter is quite deliberate and intentional with his decisions and actions as President … and the body count as a result is already piling up.
Hundreds of Ukrainian defenders and civilians died this past week and scores were injured in Russian bombings after the United States, under Trump’s command, discontinued Ukraine’s access to the satellite intelligence/warning system highlighting incoming attacks. (If you have the stomach for it, you can read the details, as reported in Time Magazine, here: https://time.com/7265679/satellites-front-failing-hundreds-dead-fallout-trump-ukraine-aid-pause/.)
Their blood is on Trump’s hands!
What kind of a human being, head of a democratic, supposedly Western ally nation, would allow that lapse and slaughter to happen????
Trump!
This is the President who also countenanced the suspension of military aid to Ukraine “that had already been approved by the former US administration and aid already in transit,” the Economist reported Monday.
Disgraceful!
In my view, a war crime!
The world has watched, the dictators have rejoiced, the democracies have been appalled as Trump has insulted, demeaned, threatened and even attacked America’s friends, allies and partners, while excusing, cozying-up and even expressing support and admiration for Vladimir Putin, the murderous, blood-spattered wanted criminal, trying to resuscitate the Soviet Union.
The strategic implications and costs of the United States’ helping Putin achieve his goals, while disparaging and threatening abandonment of its NATO allies and responsibilities, are music to the ears of not only Putin, but Xi Jinping and Kim Jong Un as well.
And that’s just part of the chaos caused so far by Trump.
Canada, Mexico, Europe, UK, Greenland, Panama are currently engrossed in a full-scale trade struggle with the United States that threatens to escalate into a full Trade War.
Personally, I believe it’s mostly bluster … just part of Trump’s technique/strategy for negotiations to try and intimidate/coerce and extort trade concessions.
Imagine the impact of a 25% Canadian lumber duty on the US housing industry … just in the fire-destroyed Los Angeles area alone, And, of course, with less Canadian timber heading south, US-produced lumber would also cost more … simple supply ands demand … and even Trump must realize that.
I predict that, within six months (less if markets plummet) the US will work out new trade deals with Canada, Mexico, the EU and even China!
Unless he IS crazy!
However, the long-term damage and debris field left behind by Trump, if he goes ahead with even half of what his mouth has threatened, will be much worse than the MAGA crowd might imagine.
All because of Trump’s personal ego, weaknesses, ignorance and incompetence.
The Mad Hatter is not insane, but I believe he is a classic narcissist, an arrogant bully, personally repulsive, boorish, vulgar recidivist liar and, I believe, wannabe dictator … and Americans will suffer for that.
“He’s treating the North American economy as a personal plaything, as markets gyrate with each presidential whim,” the conservative Wall Street Journal lamented this past week.
The stock markets and consumer confidence are already paying a price for Trump’s mad, chaotic, damaging actions and erratic behaviours.
And yet, Trump remains popular in the polls: his crackdowns on illegal migrants, DEI, trans-gender people and issues and government waste remain highly popular … and amongst more than just the diehard MAGA crowd.
His “standing up” for America against perceived foreign disrespect, exploitation and unfairness has enabled his xenophobic assertions, actions and attacks to be tolerated, even endorsed … at least until American consumers, businesses, farmers and workers start literally paying the price for Trump’s narcissism, aggression and fiscal incompetence .
Remember, we’re just weeks in!!!
The Free World will survive, and so will the Ukraine … although damaged and diminished, but the long-term injury to the US’ stature, economy, influence, general respect and credibility around the world will remain an open wound well beyond the Mad Hatter’s reign.
Harv Oberfeld
(Follow @harveyoberfeld on “X” for FREE First Alerts to new postings on this Blog.)
Trump is bat shit crazy as narcistics are. Can’t think of any redeeming traits he has. As he sets out to destroy his country much as Hitler did his, people are going to not deal with this. There will be some who stand up but they won’t be around for long.
The Democrats haven’t got a game plan and they are too divided to counter Trump. Some countries are reconsidering buying F 35s from the U.S.A and that is a very good idea. Those jets do have some sort of “kill switch” which could render them useless (according to a military type article I was reading). Portugal is one of those countries. Canada maybe having second thoughts about purchasing submarines from the U.S.A. and it would be better if we purchased them from perhaps France. On Friday one of their new nuclear powered subs was in a Canada harbour. The description of all the weapons on board was “interesting”. it advised they were on their way to the Arctic. Did make me laugh, given Macron’s comments regarding extending France’s nuclear umbrella to other countries and then a few days later this sub shows up. It doesn’t carry nuclear weapons, it wasn’t mentioned in the article but I’m sure some body in trumps orbit maybe wondering why its in Canada.
Perhaps we will know by June which way things are going to go. In a couple of months things maybe clearer about the survival of the U.S.A.
(Response: It’s too early yet in the trade dispute to cancel contracts for the F-35 aircraft or US-built new submarines. However, if Trump does go on an extended war path … yes, Canada should evaluate the cost of dumping out of any US contracts and negotiations … and seek alternative deals with friendlier allies. H.o)
Looking down the road trump’s term will end in just under 4 years, however, what if it doesn’t.?
As an open admirer of putin he must be envious of how putin has retained power for so many years. Can we and the rest of the world he is at odds with assume trump will go when his time is up. ? It would come as no surprise that he is actively exploring the ways to retain power. E.G. ask Alito and Thomas on the supreme court to retire and replace them with younger judicial stooges that owe him.
The american voters this time around knew exactly who he was and still voted for him or didn’t vote to enable his return. If he doesn’t stay beyond 2029 he has laid out the blueprint for the next republican to do more of the same.
(Response: Trump, Musk and their servile Cabinet servants are busy dismantling America’s governmental services, rights and protections. Frankly, that’s THEIR problem! BUT when they attack Canada and other allies/trade partners that’s OUR problem …and we must fight back, not just with rhetoric, but actions that will harm and hurt them, their economy, their jobs, their retirement funds as much as they harm ours. No one should shop in the US; no one should make unnecessary trips to the US; and no one should buy US products if they can find a reasonable alernative. H.o)
When Trump wants something that he believes will empower him, make him wealthier, and boost his ego he will use chaos, confusion, tricks and lies to achieve his goals. All his talk about peace and the casualties of war is for the sole reason of getting a Nobel peace medal/prize. That’s his goal I believe. World recognition and best of all, he will look better than Putin, Xi, and N. Korea, all his so-called friends.
Our representatives can go to Washington and talk to anyone who will listen but as far as I can see it’s a complete waste of time and money. The final decision on tariffs is his and his alone.
I think we are in it for the lang haul, whether we like it or not. Buckle up.
(Response: Trump is the closest thing the US has ever had to a Grifter in Power … shamelessly promoting all kinds of crap with his family name on it and even pushing Musk’s Teslas for sale on the White House driveway! The long term damage I believe the Mad Hatter will do to America’s image and interests abroad will long outlast his term in office. H.o)
I have a Canadian friend who really likes Donald Trump. He wants Canada to join the USA. I told him I disagree with the idea. No matter our political views, we should support an independent Canada.
(Response: I like the US, have American friends and family. But the more time I spend down there and observe their society, the happier and prouder I am to be Canadian. H.o)
I definitely won’t travel for any vacation to the States. Possibly never again. It’s unfortunate but America is way to far into the side of chaos. Even if Trump goes him and his crazies have ruined the good feeling of fun and trust. Not sure we’ll ever recover any trust to feel comfortable there. Way to creepy now given the massive division and blind aggressive behaviour that may be lurking around canyon corner. We don’t want to take any chances of being on he wrong end of someone’s heightened and ginned up political frustrations.
(Response: Trump has BADLY underestimated Canadians’ reactions to his insults, demands, tariffs. Most Americans show no animosity towards Canadians or Canadian products (many seem very embarrassed) … but Canadians are insulted and angry: it will be a long time before many will vacation/shop in the US and more than ever, Canadians are reading labels and, if possible, avoiding US products. H.o.)
I can’t add anything to this story. You said it all. Truth and clarity about what we and the civilized world are dealing with. Another badman on the on the world stage. This time the badman, tyrant, despicable bully and lunatic is the C&C of the United States. Oh boy.
(Response: Scary to think of what four years of the Mad Hatter will bring to the US …not just financially, but in terms of society, the environment and even internal violence. H.o)
That this should even be considered is infuriating . . .
“ . . . “makes clear that he cannot be trusted with unchecked war powers,” according to Magaziner (Rhode Island Congressman Seth Magaziner)
The U.S. Constitution dictates that only Congress has the authority to declare war on another country, but the 1973 War Powers Resolution allowed for presidents to engage in temporary hostilities for up to 60 days without Congressional approval.
https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/no-invading-allies-act?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=FP%20Economy%20Newsletter%202025-03-10&utm_term=FP_Economy
(Response: I really don’t fear Trump will start new armed hostilities … anywhere. There’s no profit in it for him! But I do worry his lack of principles and backbone may lead others to start/increase hostilities, knowing Trump is much more unlikely to DO anything to stop them. H.o)
On the 60 Minutes program a week or so ago, they ran through all of Trumps claims and proved them all a lie. And the Americans believe what he claims. He is a dictator and he and Putin want to rule the world. A tip of the hat goes out to Premier Ford of Ontario who has shown the other provinces what can be done and will be done. He reminds me of Peter Lougheed who threatened to turn off the oil to the East. Our entire country now stands up to fight the low life President. And, we will win …
Life goes on … better without Trump !!
(Response: The Mad Hatter is a recidivist liar. He has lied over and over again on several issues for years: and yet, the American people re-elected him. So I suspect he has reasoned … why should he stop? And he is a bully too. But I firmly believe while he has gotten away with lying, this time his attempted bullying on tariffs, coupled with his insults are going to prove very costly for America .. and many of those who voted for him. H.o)
Trump.
The ultimate grifter that has surrounded himself (this time) with blindly loyal, stupid, evil people.
But the cracks are appearing.
Musk and Rubio for one.
Who will Trump toss under the bus first? It’s only been 7 weeks and Trump is notorious for switching sides if the polls indicate the need for a sacrifice to the mob.
Lets give this a few more months as the DOGE cuts sink in….as tariffs hammer American consumers…..as fears of recession sink in….as inflation continues to bite.
The mob is nervous, angry and willing to turn on anyone…. 4 years of this?
I give it one year before something crazy happens.
(Response: Talk doesn’t always work with a bully. The best way to deal with a bully is sometimes a solid punch in the gut: Doug Ford jut delivered a big blow with his 25% export tax on electricity. But BC should follow not suit … the damage there would be to states which did not vote for Trump. If Trump goes ahead with the full trade war April 2 the feds have to get tougher …more tariffs and maybe also suspend (cancel?) our purchase of F-35 aircraft. H.o)
He’s likely already had someone read you piece to him and now “knows where you live.”
I just hope he doesn’t do something really stupid to cause a global crisis far worse than a market crash and recession, and that if it appears likely he might, those sitting on their hands stand up. But short of a coup, what can be done?
I will not be surprised if we experience another November 22, 1963, or September 11, 2001.
And now he knows where I live.
(Response: Nations can retaliate with tariffs and sanctions, but individuals who feel aggrieved are less predictable. News reports say the Secret Service shot someone carrying a firearm near the White House a couple of days ago. It’s actually scary: with so many thousands of federal workers losing their jobs … including many veterans … my fear is that some unnerved unemployed angry victim will act out violently. America is more divided than ever! H.o)
The Trump coup d’etat has been a long time plan of the right wing republican party as they had to find the right man to pull it off and with Trump they have.
With a Goebbelesque propaganda machine from extreme right wing media and Fox Entertainment, the old “repeat a lie often enough, the people will come to believe it”, has been at play for over a decade and the rubes down south fully believe it.
The US mainstream media is not the media a decade ago and now seems on par with Pravda or Radio Moscow. In the USA, freedom of speech means you can lie with impunity.
I think Canada is going to enter the EU orbit as we now have more in common with EU nations than the United States. If Canada cancels the F-35 program, the deal will have been done. (Just a mention, the F-35’s computer system is ultimately controlled by Washington and they can turn the damn things off!)
Trump is a malignant narcissist and has the beginnings of dementia, insane no hes not but he is cognitively impaired.
I also listen to his niece, Mary Trump, who has a good inside knowledge of the Trump family and I can tell you the family is, for a better word, weird.
https://www.youtube.com/live/bDHNnlo5JSs?si=6dZ8O5RFVht78wiI
This is a wake-up call for Canada to not put all out eggs in one basket, especially the Trump USA basket Trump is eying Canada, just like a certain funny little Austrian man with a funny mustache, eyed Austria, Czechoslovakia and Poland.
And remember this, with the Supreme court in his pocket he could be president for life. If I said that 4 months ago you would call me silly, but today, an informed guess.
(Response: What’s going on in the US smacks of what historians observed in pre-war Germany: too many decent people in power (politics, media) are staying silent … afraid of the consequences of being noticed and targeted. Of course, that just encourages Trump, Musk and their extremist cohorts to act even more aggressively. BUT maybe the falling stock markets will stop them! h.o)
Regarding Trump, my view is that his malevolence is too far beyond redemption to hold out any hope for him. I also believe he is not truly or deliberately evil… he simply is incapable of any kind of empathy or concern beyond his own personal interest and self satisfaction.
The truly evil culprits are the Republicans in Congress and their spokespersons, maybe even a small minority of them, who know damn well that Trump is going to severely damage their country and their party, but who either lack the courage to stand up to him, or are willing to trade off their Constitution and Party for their own self interest. A few who come to mind… Marco Rubio, Mitch McConnell, Susan Collins, Scott Jennings.
(Response:Interesting comments. I too have noticed the almost complete silence from so many politicians and others in the face of Trump‘s nasty, erratic behavior and statements. It reminds me somewhat of the famous essay that “When the Nazis came after the trade unionists, I was not a trade unionist so I didn’t say anything,” etc..
Clearly, intimidation has taken hold in the US, but I am still hoping that as the economic and social impacts of Trump‘s bizarre actions get worse, more and more people will start to speak up.
For the sake of America’s democracy … I sure hope so! H.o)
Trump wants a ceasefire for Ukraine/Russia.
Why don’t you want a ceasefire?
Trump wants to stop all the fentanyl crossing into the US from Canada, and it’s not 1%.
Follow Sam Cooper on X @scoopercooper for more.
Why are you ignoring the fentanyl problem?
(Response: A ceasefire yes; surrender no! Russia must return ALL the land it has illegally seized through its murderous aggression. As for the fentanyl issue, so little enters the US via Canada, it’s a farce for Trump to use that as an excuse for the pain/damage he is inflicting on both the Canadian and American economies. H.o)
This is from investigative journalist Sam Cooper:
https://x.com/scoopercooper/status/1898868373024329909
Why would you ever believe what Trudeau says?
You need to do a deeper dive on Ukraine.
You’ll be surprised what you find!
I could not agree more.
Insane? I don’t know, but I do believe there is some form of mental illness at play if only extreme narcissism. I do though give him credit for cunning.
I have many US friends who like to spend 2-8 weeks cruising BC waters between the two borders, each year and the angst they are feeling regarding personal safety this year is actually quite sad. And I DO know people here who will delight in making it personal; a situation which will be long lasting.
The BBC has a good piece today: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c80y3m249z3o?at_campaign=crm&at_medium=emails&at_campaign_type=owned&at_objective=conversion&at_ptr_name=salesforce&at_ptr_type=media&at_creation=%5B84364_PANUK_DIV_11_NEW_PoliticsEssential176_RET_INTEREST%5D-20250310-%5Bbbcnews_theantidonaldtrumpnumbersmanwhomayforcetheuktotakeaside_newsbusiness%5D
If that link doesn’t work Google “BBC The ‘anti-Trump’ numbers man who may force the UK to take a side”
(Response: The link works. Thanks. He is very cunning and certainly quite perceptive about what motivates and sells to his base … kind of a la P.T.Barnum! But, sadly, I see him as just having a very nasty, even despicable narcissistic personality rather than having a mental disability or illness. The problem is, throughout history, too many people have died, lost loved ones and/or their homes/businesses/life savings because of extreme narcissistic autocratic leaders. H.o)
Harvey,
You should know by now that BBC is lying to it’s viewers.
Watch raw footage of Trump, then watch how BBC spins it.
BBC makes people with TDS feel good.
(Response: I’m no great fan of the BBC, which (like the CBC) is very far left, very activist and very selective in not only what they report, but also how they report and especially who they invite to “analyse” the news. Terribly biased! H.o)