Obsession, Denial, and the Psychology of Power: Inside Trump’s White House

What happens when the most powerful office in the world is occupied by someone for whom losing is not an option? Jonathan Karl’s 'Tired of Winning' offers a rare window into the psychological dynamics that defined the Trump White House.

Karl’s reporting uncovers a culture where obsession with victory and fear of being labeled a 'loser' shaped every aspect of governance. Advisors quickly learned that survival meant echoing the leader’s beliefs, while dissenters were sidelined or publicly humiliated. The need for constant validation led to loyalty rituals, high turnover, and an atmosphere of perpetual crisis.

The book also explores the unprecedented public debate about presidential mental fitness, as lawmakers and professionals broke with tradition to question the stability of the nation’s leader. This blurring of public and private boundaries magnified the stakes, turning every decision into a test of loyalty and every setback into a personal affront.

Yet, Karl finds moments of humanity amid the turmoil—staffers quietly supporting each other, officials choosing principle over position, and the slow realization that true leadership requires humility and self-awareness. The story of Trump’s White House is ultimately a study in the psychology of power, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the enduring need for empathy and accountability. 1 2