Donald Trump: The Unapologetic Enneagram Type 8

Donald Trump

Disclaimer This analysis of Donald Trump’s Enneagram type is speculative, based on publicly available information, and may not reflect the actual personality type of Donald Trump.

"You're fired!"

The phrase that catapulted Donald Trump from real estate mogul to reality TV star captures the essence of his bold, direct personality.

But what lies beneath this brash exterior? Get ready to peek behind the golden curtain and explore the inner workings of one of America’s most polarizing figures through the lens of the Enneagram.

What is Donald Trump’s Enneagram Type?

Donald Trump is the “Challenger” aka an Enneagram Type 8

Type 8s are often described as powerful, dominating, self-confident, and confrontational. Sound familiar?

Trump’s larger-than-life persona perfectly aligns with these traits. His need to assert control is evident in his business dealings, his political career, and even his personal relationships. As he once famously said, “I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big.”

But there’s more to Trump than meets the eye. Let’s dive deeper into the makings of this archetypal Type 8.

The Making of a Challenger: Trump’s Upbringing

Donald Trump wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth – it was more like a golden shovel. Growing up in Queens, New York, young Donald was surrounded by the hustle and ambition of his father, Fred Trump, a successful real estate developer.

Trump’s childhood was marked by his father’s high expectations and a competitive family dynamic. In his book “The Art of the Deal,” Trump reminisces:

”My father would always tell me, ‘You are a king,’ and that I should keep that in mind. But he also taught me that kings have to work harder than anyone else to prove themselves worthy of the throne.”

This environment likely fostered Trump’s core Type 8 fear: the fear of being controlled or harmed by others. To protect himself, Trump learned to project strength and invulnerability. As he puts it, “In this life, you have to be a little bit crazy.”

This attitude manifested early on in his entrepreneurial endeavors. At age 6, Trump started collecting and selling soda bottles for profit with his brother. This childhood experience of having to be self-sufficient and assertive in business dealings shaped Trump’s worldview. It’s a classic Type 8 response: if you can’t be vulnerable, be powerful.

The Art of the Deal: Trump’s Problem-Solving Approach

Trump’s approach to problem-solving is quintessential Type 8. In his book “The Art of the Deal,” he reveals insights that go beyond simple negotiation tactics. For instance, he writes, “I never get too attached to one deal or one approach…I keep a lot of balls in the air, because most deals fall out, no matter how promising they seem at first.”

This flexibility and willingness to pivot is a hallmark of Type 8 problem-solving. Former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson once said of negotiating with Trump, ”He would often say, ‘Here’s what I want to do and here’s how I want to do it.’ And I would have to say to him, ‘Mr. President, I understand what you want to do, but you can’t do it that way. It violates the law.’”

Trump’s resilience in the face of setbacks is another Type 8 trait. After facing several bankruptcies in the 1990s, Trump managed to rebuild his brand and business empire. He famously said, “I’ve used my bankruptcy laws to my own advantage. I’ve made great deals before and after.”

Scott Adams, in his book “Win Bigly,” describes Trump as a “master persuader,” highlighting the Type 8’s ability to influence and control their environment.

“I Alone Can Fix It”: Trump’s Communication Style

Trump’s communication style is unmistakably Type 8: direct, assertive, and often controversial. His use of Twitter (now X) as a communication tool exemplifies this. Trump is known for his early morning Twitter storms, often firing off tweets before the sun rises. This habit speaks to the Type 8’s need for control and their desire to set the narrative. As Trump once tweeted:

”My use of social media is not Presidential - it’s MODERN DAY PRESIDENTIAL.”

Remember his tweet about North Korea? “North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the ‘Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times.’ Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works!”

This brash style alienates some but attracts others who appreciate his straightforwardness. Trump’s quick wit, honed through years of high-stakes negotiations, often catches opponents off guard. Remember his exchange with Rosie O’Donnell? When she criticized his business practices, he fired back, calling her “a real loser” and “a woman out of control.”

Love it or hate it, Trump’s communication style is undeniably effective in commanding attention and setting the agenda.

The Trump Brand: Values and Beliefs

Trump’s core values align closely with Type 8 traits: strength, loyalty, and control. He frequently emphasizes the importance of strength, saying things like, ”When you open your heart to patriotism, there is no room for prejudice.”

His fear of betrayal and high value on loyalty are typical of Type 8s. He once said, “I value loyalty above everything else—more than brains, more than drive and more than energy.”

Relationships and Loyalty: Trump’s Inner Circle

Trump’s approach to relationships is characteristically Type 8. He forms strong bonds with those he trusts but can be quick to cut ties with perceived opponents. Longtime associate Roger Stone once said, “Loyalty is a two-way street with Donald.”

Family plays a central role in Trump’s life and business. His children have been key players in both his business empire and his political career. As he puts it, “I have a lot of good relationships. I’m involved in them every minute of every day.”

Emotional Intelligence: The Thin Line Between Lashing Out and Being Calculated

While Trump is often perceived as emotionally volatile, there’s more nuance to his emotional intelligence. Those close to him describe his ability to read a room and understand people’s motivations. Kellyanne Conway once noted, ”He has a perfect pitch when it comes to the voter.”

However, Trump’s struggle to control his emotional responses, particularly when feeling attacked, is evident. His tendency to go on the offensive when criticized is a classic Type 8 defense mechanism.

There’s a fine line between Trump’s calculated moves and his reactive outbursts. Sometimes, what seems like an emotional tirade is actually a strategic diversion. Other times, it’s simply an 8’s instinctive response to a perceived threat. During tumultuous times, Trump’s inner dialogue might have sounded something like this:

”They’re all against me, but I’ll show them. I’m stronger than they think, and I won’t back down. I’ll fight harder and prove them all wrong.”

Adaptability and Resilience: Weathering the Storms

Trump’s response to setbacks reveals the resilience typical of Type 8s. He rarely apologizes, instead choosing to double down or redirect. His coining of the term “fake news” is a prime example of this strategy.

”I don’t like to analyze myself because I might not like what I see,” Trump once said, illustrating the Type 8’s resistance to introspection and vulnerability.

The Trump Leadership Style: Command and Conquer

Trump’s leadership style is unmistakably Type 8: commanding, decisive, and often unconventional. Despite his reputation for being headstrong, those who’ve worked closely with him describe a leader who’s open to input.

Ivanka Trump once shared, ”My father has always said, ‘If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.’ But he’s also always stressed the importance of getting the perspective of people on the ground.”

This openness to different viewpoints, combined with a decisive nature, is characteristic of healthy Type 8 leadership. For instance, during his presidency, Trump initially encouraged chants of “Lock her up!” regarding Hillary Clinton. However, after winning the election, he chose not to pursue legal action against his former rival, demonstrating a capacity for strategic flexibility.

Cultural Influences: The New York Real Estate Tycoon

Trump’s personality was undoubtedly shaped by the high-stakes world of New York real estate. The competitive, fast-paced environment of 1980s Manhattan reinforced his Type 8 tendencies toward assertiveness and risk-taking.

His mentor, Roy Cohn, famous for his aggressive legal tactics, likely influenced Trump’s confrontational style. As Trump once said, “Roy was brutal, but he was a very loyal guy.”

Trump’s big break came when he took over his father’s real estate company and set his sights on Manhattan. With the bravado typical of Type 8s, he didn’t just want to succeed – he wanted to dominate. His acquisition and renovation of the Grand Hyatt Hotel put him on the map, but it was the construction of Trump Tower that truly cemented his status as a New York icon. As Trump himself put it:

”I wasn’t satisfied just to earn a good living. I was looking to make a statement.”

Beyond the Boardroom: Unexpected Quick Facts of Trump

• Wrestling enthusiast: Trump has been involved with WWE, even appearing in wrestling events.
• UFC fan: Trump has a friendship with UFC President Dana White and has attended several UFC events.
• Teetotaler: He abstains from alcohol, influenced by his brother’s struggle with alcoholism.
• Golf aficionado: He’s played rounds with celebrities and world leaders alike.
• Former athlete: In high school, Trump was captain of the baseball team and scouted by pro teams.
• Philanthropist: In the 1980s, Trump completed the renovation of Central Park’s Wollman Rink under budget and ahead of schedule.
• Compassionate gesture: He once provided his private jet to transport a critically ill child for medical treatment.

The Legacy of a Donald Trump the Challenger

Trump’s long-term aspirations have evolved over time, but his core motivations remain rooted in Type 8 characteristics. Initially, he stated, ”I’m running for office in a country that’s essentially bankrupt, and it needs a successful businessman.”

While his vision has adapted to political realities, his drive to make an impact and leave a lasting legacy remains constant. As he looks to the future, Trump continues to embody the Type 8’s desire to shape the world according to their vision.

Conclusion

Donald Trump, love him or loathe him, he is a case study of the Enneagram Type 8 personality. His journey from real estate mogul to reality TV star to President of the United States showcases both the strengths and challenges of this personality type.

As we reflect on Trump’s impact, it raises an intriguing question: In times of crisis or change, do we inherently gravitate towards Type 8 personalities in leadership roles? And if so, what does this say about our collective psyche and our societal needs?