LinkedIn on Monday, December 22, 2025

Media are increasingly describing President Trump as a “lame duck” – so named after the bird that can no longer fly.  Constitutionally unable to run for a third term – or win re-election if he did – it doesn’t surprise anyone that Trump is thinking about his legacy.  Replacing the historic East Wing of The White House with the “Trump Ballroom.”  Renaming the Kennedy Center.  What’s next?  “Trump…” instead of “Dulles International” or “Reagan National Airport”?  Pretending to be only musing about putting his head on Mt. Rushmore or maybe a new coin of the realm.

There’s nothing subtle about this President.  This is what malignant narcissism looks like when the disorder is combined with extreme wealth and power.  And that’s the perfect wave that bothers me.

I’m beginning to think that the lame duck concept doesn’t do the President justice.  I think he’s a tad or more irrational, that he expects to live forever and desperately wants – maybe even legally needs? – a third term.  And that he’s concluded, may have even been told by his handlers that nothing short of a war will extend his stay in the Oval Office.

There’s the war against Venezuela that he’s starting without Congressional approval.  It’s about regime change and/or oil.  …I don’t think so.  Venezuela isn’t a superpower.

I’m fearful that he’ll suck us into something far more significant.  Something that not even his most loyal Republicans in Congress and over at Fox would support.  Something far more dangerous.  The more so, the greater the emergency that might justify postponing elections and keeping him in power.

“Lame duck”?  …I’m thinking deranged, maybe even rabid “wounded animal” is more like it.

-Les