Donald Trump’s words and actions have reshaped public discourse and emboldened harmful behaviors across the country. Friday’s Oval Office heated exchange between Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and President Trump and Vice President Vance. Zelenskyy was shamed for not wearing a suit and being asked if the President even owned one. Experts warn that his rhetoric encourages a culture of cruelty, particularly against marginalized communities, including LGBTQ people.
While Trump initially campaigned on reducing the cost of living and targeting violent immigrants, much of his focus has been on dismantling protections for vulnerable groups. From rolling back LGBTQ rights to attacking political opponents with demeaning nicknames, his leadership style thrives on humiliation and division. Mental health professionals are sounding alarms on what we will see from the American community against the LGBTQ community, highlighting his behavior as sadistic.
In The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump, 27 experts assessed the psychological risks he poses, suggesting he needs treatment rather than power. Social Learning Theory, developed by psychologist Albert Bandura, explains how people—especially youth—adopt behaviors by observing influential figures. Bandura’s famous “Bobo Doll” experiment demonstrated that children exposed to aggression modeled by adults were more likely to act aggressively themselves.
Trump’s behavior mirrors this effect. By openly mocking and degrading others, he legitimizes cruelty, fostering a more hostile society. As one high school student put it, “If anyone in my school acted like Trump, they’d be expelled.” LGBTQ and other minority activists have noted that the second term has so far looked nothing like his first term in 2016. He is only 45 days into the new term and there is near universal agreement that the dramatic changes seen are unlike anything ever experienced from an American President before.
But resistance is growing. Yesterday, the Ukraine President met with European leaders in an emergency meeting in London. When Zelenskyy arrived at 10 Downing Street the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer made an obvious point to come into the street, walk up to Zelenskyy and passionately hug him. He commented later it was an intentional signal as a response to the berating that took place in the Oval Office.
By speaking out against Trump’s divisive actions, advocates, educators, and everyday Americans are modeling integrity and respect. In doing so, they counteract his influence, striving to reclaim a nation built on justice and equality. What we are watching from the President will have significant effects on the entire LGBTQ community.
