Trump's 10 Laws of Power

Will to Power and Will for Power

“If you simply speak softly the other man will bully you. If you leave your stick at home you will find the other man did not. If you carry the stick only and forget to speak softly in nine cases out of ten, the other man will have a bigger stick.”

Theodore Roosevelt

Regardless of the debates surrounding the effectiveness, content, or long-term impact of Trump’s policies, it is valuable to critically examine his political approach. His methods are poised to shape future political doctrines and leave a lasting imprint on historical discourse. Moreover, understanding his strategy is essential for assessing how other nations may react and adapt to this distinct style of leadership.

To decode Trump’s leadership style, one must see him as a political hybrid—Jacksonian in ambition, Rooseveltian in execution. Like Andrew Jackson, he stormed onto the scene as a populist warrior, vowing to take on the establishment and reclaim power for the “common man.” And like Theodore Roosevelt, he wielded strength as a strategic tool, believing that raw power—not compromise—was the key to both domestic and foreign dominance.

Jacksonian Ambitions: Defying the Elite, Expanding Influence

First, Andrew Jackson, the seventh U.S. president (1829–1837), was a staunch nationalist who built his legacy on populism and a deep distrust of the political and economic elite. He positioned himself as a defender of the common man, challenging entrenched political and economic interests while advocating for a stronger national identity. His legacy extended beyond his presidency, profoundly shaping American expansionism. One of his most devoted political heirs, President James K. Polk, embodied Jacksonian ideals by aggressively pursuing territorial growth. Under Polk’s leadership, the United States expanded dramatically through the annexation of Texas, the Oregon Treaty with Britain, and most notably, the Mexican-American War, which added vast territories including California and the Southwest.

Trump’s ambitions channel Jacksonian energy in several ways: his America First agenda, deep suspicion of global institutions, and determination to shake up the political elite. Like Jackson, he cast himself as a warrior for the common man, taking on the establishment and pushing for a stronger, more independent America. His expansionist streak also has a Jacksonian flair—nothing says manifest destiny quite like trying to buy Greenland.

Rooseveltian Methods: Strength as Strategy

If Jackson was about challenging the system, Roosevelt was about bending it to his will. Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. president (1901–1909), believed in diplomacy backed by power—“speak softly, but carry a big stick.” He used military strength, economic leverage, and sheer force of personality to expand American influence, whether through breaking up monopolies at home or redrawing global power dynamics abroad.

Trump follows this playbook closely. He wielded tariffs like weapons, deployed military strength as a bargaining chip, and used brash, unfiltered rhetoric to keep allies and adversaries on edge. Whether challenging NATO spending, confronting China, or rewriting the rules of engagement in the Middle East, his leadership echoes Roosevelt’s philosophy: power is not to be balanced—it is to be exercised.

In fact, one of Roosevelt’s most aggressive actions was his orchestration of the Panama Canal. When Colombia refused to grant the U.S. the rights to build the canal, Roosevelt supported a Panamanian rebellion, swiftly recognized Panama’s independence, and secured a deal for U.S. control of the canal zone. His willingness to defy diplomatic norms and use forceful tactics showcased his belief in American expansionism and strategic dominance—a mindset reflected in Trump’s approach to power, from his economic warfare with China to his aggressive Middle East realignment.

The Trump Laws of Power

By understanding Trump through the Jackson-Roosevelt lens, we can extract a set of principles that define his leadership—rules that he follows and followed consistently throughout his presidency.

These Trump Laws of Power explain how he navigates politics, reshapes diplomacy, and builds his unique brand of executive dominance:

Trump Law 1: Say It. Mean It. Do It.

Make your goals unmistakably clear, no matter the backlash. Strength comes from conviction, not caution. Enemies will emerge regardless—better they fear your certainty than exploit your hesitation.

Example: For decades, U.S. presidents promised to move the embassy to Jerusalem but never followed through, fearing diplomatic backlash. Trump announced it outright and did it, despite global criticism. His clarity of purpose made it clear he would not be swayed by pressure.

Trump Law 2: Chaos Confuses—Use It to Win

Never let allies or enemies get too comfortable. The strongest leader is the one no one can fully anticipate. Leverage uncertainty as a strategic weapon—make the world react to you, not the other way around.

Example: Trump threatened North Korea with “fire and fury like the world has never seen” if they continued nuclear provocations. Many feared escalation, but his unpredictability led to historic meetings between a U.S. president and Kim Jong-un. Keeping adversaries uncertain forced them to take him seriously.

Trump Law 3: Power Rules Politics—Not Civility

Forget outdated notions of decorum. Politics is war by other means, and naming your opponents—loudly and often—keeps you in control of the battlefield.

Example: Trump redefined political combat by using strategic nicknames like “Crooked Hillary” and “Sleepy Joe” to shape public perception. By relentlessly repeating them, he framed his opponents before they could define themselves, keeping them on the defensive. Unlike traditional politicians, he treated politics as a battlefield where branding mattered as much as policy.

Trump Law 4: Money Moves Faster Than Troops

Use economic pressure before negotiations, not as a reaction. Make opponents feel the cost of defying you before they even step to the table.

Example: Trump used tariffs offensively, not reactively, pressuring China into renegotiating trade terms. By imposing billions in tariffs, he forced Beijing to the table for the 2020 "Phase One" deal, viewing economic tools as levers of power to reshape global trade in America’s favor.

Trump Law 5: Own the Story and Be the Story

Whether through media, social platforms, or direct speeches, flood the space with your message. Let no one else define the terms of the debate.

Example: From day one, Trump made border security central, branding it with "Build the Wall." By repeating this slogan everywhere, he controlled the immigration debate, shifting focus from policy details to a clear, dominant message linking the border to crime, security, and the economy.

Trump Law 6: America Leads—End of Discussion

Global dominance isn’t a burden—it’s a responsibility. Whether through trade, military strength, or diplomatic pressure, America must lead with confidence, not concession. Influence is not given; it is taken. The world doesn’t reward passivity—it respects those who seize the initiative.

Example: Trump pressured NATO allies to meet defense spending commitments, demanding they pay their fair share. Confronting leaders directly, he made clear the U.S. wouldn’t subsidize European security alone. His tough stance led to pledges of over $400 billion, strengthening U.S. influence.

Trump Law 7: Go Over Their Heads—Take It to the People

Power doesn’t come from the political elite—it comes from the people. Instead of filtering messages through bureaucrats, legacy media, or political insiders, speak directly to your base. Mass communication isn’t just a tool; it’s a weapon that keeps the establishment irrelevant and the political movement alive.

Example: While past presidents relied on press briefings and scripted media appearances, Trump bypassed traditional channels entirely, using Twitter and massive rallies to speak directly to his supporters. His tweets dominated news cycles, forcing journalists to cover his message on his terms, while his high-energy rallies reinforced his bond with his base.

Trump Law 8: First the Fist, Then the Handshake

Diplomacy isn’t about seeking approval—it’s about commanding respect. In negotiations, power is the ultimate bargaining chip. When you project strength, opponents take you seriously; when you show weakness, they exploit it. Deals are won not through appeasement, but through leverage, pressure, and the unwavering belief that your position is non-negotiable.

Example: Trump showcased strength in diplomacy by ordering the 2020 drone strike on Iranian General Soleimani, a key figure behind attacks on U.S. forces. Instead of prolonged negotiations, he took decisive action, signaling zero tolerance for aggression. The strike shocked Iran, shifted regional power dynamics, and deterred major retaliation.

Trump Law 9: Break the Mold—Challenge the System at Its Core

True power doesn’t come from maintaining the status quo—it comes from rewriting the rules. Institutions, global alliances, and long-standing traditions exist to serve national interests, not the other way around. If they no longer work, question them, challenge them, or dismantle them.

Example: In 2017, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, rejecting global consensus. He saw it as unfair, benefiting rivals like China while hurting American industry. Critics called it reckless, but for Trump, it was a stand for U.S. sovereignty over global commitments.

Trump Law 10: Legacies Belong to the Relentless

Legacy isn’t built on diplomacy, tradition, or approval—it’s built on victory. Those who change the course of history do so by refusing to accept limits, setbacks, or opposition. In politics, power belongs to those who fight the hardest, push the farthest, and never concede defeat. The game isn’t played to participate—it’s played to win.

Example: When Trump took office, ISIS controlled vast territory, and its leader, al-Baghdadi, remained at large. Rejecting slow containment, Trump launched an aggressive campaign, leading to al-Baghdadi’s death in 2019. He framed it as a total defeat, emphasizing swift, decisive action over prolonged strategies.

Conclusion:

By unintentionally fusing Jacksonian populism with Rooseveltian force, Trump crafted a playbook that prioritized direct action, unpredictability, and the relentless pursuit of victory.

Love him or hate him, Trump didn’t just play the game—he rewrote the rules.