Projection

Projection is a defense mechanism in which a person unconsciously (or in politics, maybe consciously) attributes their own unwanted thoughts, feelings, or impulses to someone else.

For example, a person who feels hostile toward others might accuse others of being hostile toward them. This allows the individual to avoid acknowledging or dealing with those uncomfortable emotions in themselves.

Key points:

• It is unconscious, not deliberate (unless politically-motivated?)
• It helps reduce internal anxiety or guilt by shifting blame outward.
• Common in everyday interactions (e.g., jealousy, anger, insecurity).
• Seen in both normal behavior and in certain psychiatric conditions.

Many observers note that Donald Trump frequently uses projection as a rhetorical tactic. He often accuses opponents of behaviors or motives that he himself is being criticized for—for instance, calling others corrupt, dishonest, or divisive at the very moments he is facing those same accusations.

This serves two purposes:

1. Deflection – shifts attention away from his own behavior.
2. Attack strategy – frames critics as guilty of the very faults he’s charged with, muddying the waters for supporters and opponents alike.

Here are a few concrete examples of Donald Trump using projection:

1. Accusing others of election fraud– While being investigated for efforts to overturn the 2020 election, he repeatedly claimed Democrats were the ones “rigging” and “stealing” elections.
2. Calling opponents “corrupt”– Even as his own businesses and campaign finances faced scrutiny, he often branded Hillary Clinton, Joe Biden, and others as “the most corrupt politicians in history.”
3. Labeling the press “fake news”– When confronted with false or misleading statements he made, he accused mainstream media outlets of being “fake” or dishonest.
4. Saying others are “weak” or “incompetent”– He frequently cast political rivals as weak leaders, while critics and insiders described his governing style as chaotic and poorly managed.
5. Claiming others are “witch hunting”– During investigations into his actions, he characterized prosecutors and congressional oversight as corrupt and politically motivated “witch hunts,” projecting his own pattern of using legal and political systems against opponents.

Clearly, Donald Trump frequently uses projection, accusing others of the very faults he’s criticized for. He calls opponents corrupt while under investigation himself, claims elections are rigged while challenging results, and attacks the media as “fake news” when his own statements are false.

What’s amazing is that his supporters still accept his overused tactic of deflecting blame and accusing opponents of what he is guilty.

Next up, a post on gaslighting.