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New Study : People who report favorable views of Donald Trump also tend to score higher on measures of callousness, manipulation, and other malevolent traits—and lower on empathy and compassion.

You’ve probably noticed that people have strong opinions about Donald Trump. Some adore him. Others can’t stand him. But what if there’s more to it than just politics? A recent study suggests that personality traits—specifically, the darker ones—might play a big role in who supports him.

Researchers found that people who view Trump favorably tend to score higher on traits like callousness, manipulation, and narcissism. They also scored lower on empathy and compassion. In other words, the study hints that Trump’s appeal might be tied to certain psychological tendencies.

Now, before anyone gets defensive—no, this doesn’t mean all Trump supporters fit this mold. Personality is complicated. But the pattern is interesting, especially given how divisive Trump is as a figure.

So What Does the Study Actually Say?

The research, published in PsyPost, analyzed personality traits among Trump supporters using well-established psychological measures. The findings? Those who liked Trump were more likely to:

• Show higher levels of manipulativeness (using others for personal gain)
• Display callousness (lack of concern for others’ feelings)
• Score high in narcissism (grandiosity, need for admiration)
• Have lower empathy (struggle to relate to others’ emotions)

Again, this isn’t about judging individuals. It’s about spotting trends. And it raises a bigger question: Why would these traits make someone more drawn to Trump?

The Charisma of Confidence (Even If It’s Controversial)

Trump’s style is bold, unapologetic, and often combative. For people who value dominance, that’s appealing. If you’re someone who admires strength—even if it’s abrasive—Trump’s refusal to back down can feel refreshing.

But there’s another angle: us vs. them. Trump’s rhetoric often paints clear lines between allies and enemies. If you’re someone who sees the world in competitive terms—where winning matters more than playing nice—his approach might resonate.

What Does This Mean for the Rest of Us?

Understanding the psychology behind political support isn’t about labeling people “good” or “bad.” It’s about recognizing why certain messages land the way they do. If Trump’s appeal is partly about personality fit, that could explain why his supporters stay loyal despite controversies.

Politics isn’t just about policies—it’s about identity, emotion, and how we see ourselves. And sometimes, the reasons we’re drawn to a leader have less to do with logic and more to do with who we are deep down.

What do you think? Does personality shape political preference more than we realize?