The National Review recently published an editorial that offered a provocative perspective on President Donald Trump’s second term, suggesting that his chaotic and unpredictable behavior is driven by a deep-seated fear of death. The article, written by Luther Ray Abel, proposed that Trump’s advanced age and recent brushes with violence, including a July assassination attempt that left him with a bullet-grazed ear, have significantly influenced his mindset and actions. Abel argued that while some might dismiss the idea that assassination attempts have affected Trump, the president’s instincts—what Abel referred to as his “lizard brain”—have likely calculated the risks of surviving his term. According to the editorial, this has led Trump to adopt a strategy of maximizing his impact, positioning himself as both a reformer and a potential martyr.
The editorial highlighted several key areas where Trump’s behavior has sparked concern and outrage. One major point of contention has been his aggressive reduction of federal jobs, with Elon Musk reportedly serving as his “hatchet man” to carry out these cuts. Additionally, Trump has drawn criticism for his antagonistic approach to key international allies, such as Ukraine, Mexico, and Canada, as well as his perceived closeness to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The editorial also noted Trump’s ongoing efforts to bully the press, which has further polarized his relationship with the media and the public.
Abel described Trump’s mindset as grim, accusing him of being “melodramatic” but acknowledging that this theatrics is a deliberate part of his public persona. The writer pointed to Trump’s apparent determination to avoid the fate of former President Joe Biden, whom Abel mocked as having been so incapacitated that he was “loaded in a wheelbarrow and rolled off to Delaware.” Trump, Abel suggested, has vowed to avoid such a fate, declaring, “Sorry old b**, that’s not for me.” This attitude, combined with what Abel called a “done-now” approach to governance, has reportedly led Trump to pursue his agenda with little restraint, unafraid to push boundaries or defy conventions.
The editorial also touched on Trump’s choice of Vice President JD Vance, suggesting that Vance’s reluctance to challenge or push back against Trump’s initiatives has further enabled the president’s unbridled approach. Abel argued that this lack of restraint has contributed to the chaotic nature of Trump’s second term, as the president seeks to leave a lasting legacy despite the odds against him. At 78 years old, Trump is acutely aware of his mortality, and Abel’s analysis implies that this awareness is driving his every move.
Looking ahead, the editorial speculated that Trump’s upcoming address to a joint session of Congress on Tuesday could provide further insight into his current mindset and priorities. The speech may shed light on how Trump plans to navigate the remaining time in his term, balancing his desire for impactful reform with the challenges posed by his age and the ever-present threat of violence. Whether Trump succeeds in cementing his legacy as a reformer or becomes a martyr in the eyes of his supporters remains to be seen, but the National Review’s editorial suggests that his fear of death is a central motivator in his actions.
In summary, the National Review’s editorial paints a picture of a president driven by a mix of fear, determination, and theatrics. Trump’s second term, according to Abel, is shaped by his awareness of mortality and a desire to avoid the fate of his predecessors. While his methods have been divisive and often chaotic, the editorial suggests that Trump’s actions are ultimately guided by a desire to leave a lasting impact, whether through reform or by embracing the role of a martyr. As Trump prepares to address Congress, all eyes will be on how he continues to navigate the challenges of his presidency, both personal and political.
