This is the third part of a series on Men’s Mental Health and Society. In this installment, we apply relevant theories to examine what transpired during Trump’s first term (2017-2021). By exploring his leadership and decision-making through frameworks such as political psychology, leadership styles, and crisis response, we gain insight into how mental health dynamics can influence public welfare and leadership behavior.

Firstly, Trump’s approach to managing the COVID-19 pandemic often reflected patterns of neglect and misjudgment, which can be linked to a lack of empathy and an overconfidence in his own judgment. His administration was frequently criticized for downplaying the severity of the virus, inconsistent messaging, and delayed responses, all of which adversely affected public health outcomes. This neglect can be viewed as a failure to prioritize the well-being of those suffering from COVID, possibly stemming from a broader pattern of characteristic leadership behavior that prioritized political optics over scientific expertise.

Secondly, the mental health and psychological state of the leadership played a role in the handling of the crisis. Trump’s rhetorical style was often harsh, confrontational, and at times dismissive toward critics and the public. This type of discourse may exemplify what can be considered a form of mental maladjustment or maladaptive leadership—where emotional regulation and appropriate responses are compromised. His tendency to use inflammatory language and to dismiss scientific authorities might reflect a struggle with leadership that is both inappropriate and damaging, especially during a public health crisis.

Thirdly, from a political psychology perspective, the harsh and often inappropriate discussions about welfare during his term suggest a leadership style driven by ego, a need for dominance, and a diminished capacity for empathetic or rational decision-making. This behavior not only affected public perception but also potentially undermined effective crisis management, as it eroded public trust and created confusion.

The Trump era exhibited traits of neglect toward the health of COVID sufferers, influenced by leadership that often displayed maladaptive mental health patterns—harshness, impulsivity, and a lack of empathetic concern. These factors contributed to a problematic response to the pandemic, illustrating how leadership mental health can directly impact a nation’s welfare during times of crisis.

Outcome

While Trump was president (January 2017 to January 2021), the COVID-19 pandemic caused approximately 350,000 to 400,000 deaths in the United States. The most recent estimates indicate that roughly 350,000 people in the U.S. lost their lives due to COVID-19 during that period. Please note that exact numbers can vary slightly depending on the source and updates to death data.

Comparison

During World War II, approximately 416,800 soldiers from the United States died.