Authoritarian Psychology: Understanding Donald Trump's Political Style

In a world increasingly shaped by political division, understanding the psychology of leadership has never been more relevant. A recent article from The Conversation by Scott A. Lucas (2025) provides a compelling real-world case study for A-Level students. It delves into the psychological underpinnings of Donald Trump's political style, offering a live and dynamic example of authoritarian psychology in action.

This think piece will explore how this topic links to key areas of your A-Level Psychology syllabus, including social influence, obedience, and the formation of political attitudes.

The Foundations of Authoritarian Psychology

The concept of the authoritarian personality was first developed by Theodor Adorno and his colleagues in the 1950s. Their research was a response to the rise of fascism, seeking to understand why some individuals are more susceptible to authoritarian ideologies. They identified key traits: a rigid adherence to social rules, a submissive attitude toward authority figures, and a hostile or aggressive stance toward those seen as "outgroups."

The article suggests that Donald Trump's rhetoric and policies reflect these core traits. He often portrays himself as a strong, decisive leader, demanding unwavering loyalty from his followers. His focus on strict immigration policies and culture war issues also aligns with the authoritarian tendency to view those who are different as a threat. By creating a clear "ingroup" (his loyal supporters) and "outgroup" (immigrants, political opponents), he fuels the hostility and aggression that are hallmarks of this personality type. This psychological approach helps explain his enduring appeal in a deeply divided society.

Social Influence and the Authoritarian Leader

The concepts of social influence you study in your A-Level course are highly relevant here. An authoritarian leader's power is often amplified by the way they influence their followers' behaviour.

• Obedience to Authority: An authoritarian leader like Donald Trump relies heavily on obedience. Adorno's work, which links closely with the research of Stanley Milgram, suggests that individuals with an authoritarian personality are more likely to obey orders from a perceived authority figure, even when those orders are morally questionable. This can be seen in the unwavering support some of his followers display, even in the face of criticism.

• Conformity and Groupthink: Within a strong authoritarian movement, followers may be susceptible to conformity. The pressure to align with the group's views can lead to a phenomenon known as groupthink, where the desire for harmony and loyalty overrides a realistic appraisal of alternatives. For example, supporters may conform to the group's narrative about political opponents, ignoring contradictory information. This explains how a strong leader can command loyalty in a divided society, as highlighted in the article.

Issues and Debates: The Nature vs. Nurture of Political Attitudes

The study of authoritarian psychology raises important questions for the nature vs. nurture debate. While Adorno initially proposed that this personality type was a product of early childhood experiences (a rigid, harsh upbringing), modern research suggests that personality is also influenced by genetics. This ongoing debate applies to political attitudes: are we biologically predisposed to be more or less authoritarian, or are these traits shaped entirely by our environment and experiences? The case of Donald Trump allows us to consider this question in a very public way, as we examine whether his supporters’ attitudes are a result of their personal history or their genetic make-up.

Final Thoughts on Authoritarian Psychology

Understanding the psychological factors behind political behaviour is essential for a complete grasp of social influence and personality. The political rise of Donald Trump provides a live, dynamic example of how authoritarian psychology can manifest in a modern, democratic society. It serves as a reminder that the concepts we study in the classroom have a tangible impact on the world around u

References:

Lucas, S. A. (2025). Trump’s second tone: authoritarian, radical and triumphalist in a divided US. Available at: https://theconversation.com/trumps-second-tone-authoritarian-radical-and-triumphalist-in-a-divided-us-248502 (Accessed: 10 March 2025).