I recently re-read the book, The 48 Laws of Power, by Robert Greene. While reading it became obvious to me that this book is an excellent companion to have to navigate life.
Few books provoke as much intrigue, and unease, as Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power. Since its publication in 1998, the book has become both a bible for strivers and a manual for manipulators. Found on the desks of Fortune 500 CEOs, Hollywood producers, rappers, and politicians, it’s revered as much for its insight into human nature as it is reviled for its unapologetic embrace of realpolitik.
The significance of The 48 Laws of Power is twofold. On the one hand, Greene exposes the often unspoken mechanics of influence: the psychological levers, Machiavellian maneuvers, and social games that shape careers, movements, and even entire nations. The book does not shy away from the shadow side of ambition, it details strategies that, in the wrong hands, can become weapons for manipulation, division, and self-aggrandizement. Greene himself cautions: “Power is amoral… it is a game.”
It’s such a powerful book, that it has even been outlawed in prisons
It’s easy to discount that the players at the highest levels, the Presidents, Prime Ministers, Supreme Rulers, Party Chairman, Dictators, Monarchs, Politicians, Billionaires and power brokers arrived at those levels for a reason.
It wasn’t through their good grades in school and likeable nature, though they might have had good grades and or a likeable nature, that wasn’t what got them where they are, and what’s keeping them there.
We as outsiders like to believe we understand the world of geo-politics because we have 24-7 access to the information via a non-stop barrage seemingly unrestricted access to the second by second stream of thought of the world leaders, always accepting exactly what they say at face value.
Of course their opponents also have the same 24-7 access to this “unrestricted access” as you and I do.
Which begs the question then, why would there be entire branches of government focused on intelligence gathering and analysis if all they had to do was watch the news really hard to get the answers?
Why would it be a felony to share classified information…
In the United States, unauthorized sharing of classified information is almost always a felony. At the low end it is a five-year federal prison sentence; at the high end (espionage to aid a foreign power in wartime) it can bring life imprisonment or even death. Fines can add hundreds of thousands of dollars, and the non-criminal consequences, career loss, clearance revocation, and long-term financial penalties, are often just as devastating.
Clearly what information we are getting from open sources such as the news and social media is not the truth, it’s only enough of the truth to be used for a reason.
In the book the 48 Laws of Power, we get an understanding of how the game is played, and more importantly why the players do what they do.
From that perspective, I’m going to apply the 48 Laws of Power to how President Trump uses them. Once you see it, you can’t unsee it. Instead of reacting to the headlines and our own biases based on limited information, we can see the 48 Laws in action.
And no recent public figure has embodied these laws more brazenly, or more visibly, than Donald J. Trump.
Put your politics aside for this one as this isn’t about the right or the left. It’s about how the game is played.
I’ve not analyzed President Trump’s use of all 48 Laws, rather I’ve found a number of examples of how he uses certain ones, how he flows from one to the other, stacking them on each other, sometimes luring an opponent with one law, only to find themselves within a different law caught completely off guard.
Each law that I analyze is laid out in the following format:
The Law from the 48 Laws of Power.
The Author, Robert Greene’s Principle.
- How Trump Uses It
- Recent Examples of how he uses it
- Historical Examples of how he used it
- The Results
- The In-Betweens
The last part, the In-Betweens, shows how Trump moves from one law to another, whether that is setting a trap by making the use of the initial law so obvious that the competitor over plays their hand, or how it naturally flows into the next one.
It’s quite fascinating.
With all that being said, let’s get to work…
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
Greene’s Principle: Make those above you feel superior, and avoid threatening their ego to maintain favor.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump rarely adheres to this law in its traditional sense, as he positions himself as the ultimate authority, the “master.” However, during his 2024 campaign, he strategically avoided outshining key allies like donors or influential figures in the Republican Party. For instance, he praised figures like Elon Musk, aligning with their influence while ensuring his own brand remained dominant.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): Trump’s public endorsements of figures like J.D. Vance for Senate in 2024 elevated their profiles while reinforcing his role as the kingmaker. By amplifying their success without overshadowing his own narrative, he maintained loyalty.
- Historical Example: In 2016, Trump aligned with evangelical leaders like Jerry Falwell Jr., praising their influence to secure their support without challenging their authority within their communities.
- Results: This selective deference builds coalitions. In 2024, endorsements from influential figures helped Trump consolidate GOP support, contributing to his electoral victory. Historically, evangelical support was pivotal in 2016, delivering key swing states.
- In-Betweens: Trump’s use of Law 1 flows into Law 5 (Reputation), as he bolsters allies’ egos to enhance his own image as a generous leader, creating a feedback loop of loyalty and influence.
Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary
Greene’s Principle: Silence creates mystery and flexibility, allowing you to avoid commitments and maintain control.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump’s communication style often involves vague, bold statements that invite interpretation without locking him into specifics. This allows him to pivot as needed while dominating attention.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): During the 2024 campaign, Trump’s promises to “fix the economy” or “secure the border” were broad, avoiding detailed policy plans. This vagueness allowed supporters to project their desires onto him, while opponents struggled to pin him down.
- Historical Example: In 2016, his “Make America Great Again” slogan was intentionally ambiguous, resonating with diverse grievances without committing to specifics.
- Results: In 2024, this approach kept his base energized and adaptable, contributing to his re-election. Historically, it allowed him to appeal to a broad coalition, from economic populists to social conservatives. Critics, however, point to a lack of policy depth, which sometimes alienated moderates.
- In-Betweens: Law 4 pairs with Law 6 (Court Attention), as Trump’s sparse but provocative statements generate media buzz, amplifying his presence while maintaining strategic ambiguity.
Law 5: So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard It with Your Life
Greene’s Principle: Reputation is the cornerstone of power; protect and enhance it at all costs.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump meticulously curates his image as a strong, unapologetic leader. He counters attacks by reframing criticism as evidence of a corrupt establishment targeting him, reinforcing his “outsider” persona.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): Facing legal challenges (e.g., convictions and lawsuits), Trump dismissed them as “witch hunts,” “lawfare”, rallying supporters by framing himself as a victim of elite persecution. His 2024 campaign leaned into this narrative, portraying him as a fighter for “the forgotten American.”
- Historical Example: In 2020, despite losing the popular vote, Trump maintained his reputation among supporters by claiming election fraud, preserving his image as a leader who “never loses.”
- Results: In 2024, this strategy solidified his base’s loyalty, with polls showing 70% of Republicans viewed legal actions against him as politically motivated. Historically, it sustained his influence post-2020, enabling his 2024 comeback. However, it polarized moderates and deepened national divides.
- In-Betweens: Law 5 flows into Law 23 (Concentrate Your Forces), as Trump focuses on reinforcing his core brand to unify his base, creating a formidable political machine.
Law 6: Court Attention at All Costs
Greene’s Principle: Power requires visibility; always stay in the spotlight, even if it invites controversy.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump thrives on media attention, using provocative statements, social media (notably X), and bold actions to dominate news cycles. He views all publicity as beneficial, even negative coverage.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): His 2024 campaign featured inflammatory rhetoric, like calling opponents “enemies within,” which kept him in headlines. Posts on X amplified this, with users noting his ability to “own the narrative”. In 2025, executive actions targeting universities and law firms (e.g., Harvard, Perkins Coie) generated widespread debate, ensuring his centrality.
- Historical Example: In 2015, his comments on immigration sparked outrage but dominated coverage, setting the agenda for the GOP primary.
- Results: In 2024, relentless media presence boosted turnout among his base, contributing to his victory. Historically, it made him the GOP frontrunner in 2016. However, constant controversy risks alienating moderates and fueling opposition coalitions.
- In-Betweens: Law 6 synergizes with Law 17 (Keep Others in Suspended Terror), as his unpredictable outbursts create a sense of urgency and fear, keeping opponents reactive.
Law 9: Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument
Greene’s Principle: Demonstrate power through tangible results, not debates, which can make you seem defensive.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump prioritizes high-impact actions over policy debates, using executive orders and public gestures to project strength.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): In 2025, Trump issued executive orders targeting academic institutions and law firms, accusing them of anti-Americanism or unethical conduct. These uncommon moves signaled decisiveness to supporters, overshadowing legal challenges to their constitutionality.
- Historical Example: In 2017, his travel ban executive order, though controversial and partially blocked, reinforced his image as a leader taking action on immigration.
- Results: In 2025, these actions rallied his base and pressured institutions, though lawsuits (e.g., Harvard’s due process claim) indicate mixed legal success. In 2017, the travel ban cemented his reputation as a decisive leader, despite judicial setbacks.
- In-Betweens: Law 9 connects to Law 25 (Re-Create Yourself), as Trump’s actions reinforce his evolving image as a disruptor, adapting to each political moment.
Law 11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
Greene’s Principle: Make others rely on you to maintain power and independence.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump cultivates loyalty by positioning himself as indispensable to his allies’ success, from political operatives to voters.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): Trump’s endorsements in 2024 primaries ensured candidates like Vance owed their victories to him, creating a dependent political network. His administration’s control over federal funding (e.g., withholding from universities) reinforces institutional reliance.
- Historical Example: In his business career, Trump kept contractors and employees dependent through exclusive deals and personal loyalty, a tactic he carried into politics.
- Results: In 2024, this dependency secured a loyal GOP coalition, strengthening his campaign. Historically, it built a cult-like following but risked alienating those who valued autonomy.
- In-Betweens: Law 11 pairs with Law 33 (Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew), as Trump identifies allies’ needs (e.g., political survival) and exploits them to ensure loyalty.
Law 17: Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability
Greene’s Principle: Unpredictability makes others cautious and reactive, giving you control.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump’s erratic behavior…tweets, firings, and policy shifts…keeps opponents and allies off-balance, forcing them to react to his agenda.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): His 2025 executive orders targeting law firms like Perkins Coie and WilmerHale, with sudden sanctions and reversals, created uncertainty in legal and political circles. On X, supporters praised this as “genius chaos”.
- Historical Example: In 2017, firing FBI Director James Comey shocked the political establishment, shifting focus to Trump’s narrative.
- Results: In 2025, unpredictability disrupted opponents’ strategies, but legal challenges (e.g., Columbia’s lawsuit) show resistance. In 2017, the Comey firing galvanized his base but fueled investigations.
- In-Betweens: Law 17 flows into Law 6 (Court Attention), as unpredictable actions generate media frenzy, reinforcing his dominance.
Law 23: Concentrate Your Forces
Greene’s Principle: Focus resources on a single goal to maximize impact.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump concentrates on key issues like immigration and the economy, rallying his base around clear, emotive causes.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): His 2024 campaign focused heavily on border security and economic populism, avoiding diffuse policy debates. This singular focus resonated with voters frustrated by inflation and migration concerns.
- Historical Example: In 2016, his emphasis on “building the wall” unified his base and set the campaign agenda.
- Results: In 2024, this focus drove turnout in swing states, securing his victory. In 2016, it differentiated him from GOP rivals. However, it risks neglecting broader governance issues, drawing criticism for oversimplification.
- In-Betweens: Law 23 connects to Law 5 (Reputation), as focusing on signature issues strengthens Trump’s brand as a problem-solver.
Law 25: Re-Create Yourself
Greene’s Principle: Constantly reinvent your image to stay relevant and command attention.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump has shifted from businessman to populist firebrand to embattled outsider, adapting his persona to political needs.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): In 2024, Trump rebranded as a defender of “forgotten Americans,” emphasizing resilience against legal and media attacks. His 2025 actions against universities and law firms reinforced this image as a crusader against elites.
- Historical Example: In 2015, he transitioned from reality TV star to political disruptor, leveraging his Apprentice fame to appeal to voters.
- Results: In 2024, this reinvention broadened his appeal, winning back moderates and independents. In 2016, it made him a fresh alternative to establishment candidates. However, constant shifts can confuse allies and erode trust among skeptics.
- In-Betweens: Law 25 synergizes with Law 6 (Court Attention), as each reinvention generates new media cycles, keeping Trump relevant.
Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
Greene’s Principle: Identify and exploit others’ weaknesses to control them.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump targets opponents’ vulnerabilities, personal scandals, public missteps, or ideological inconsistencies…to discredit them.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): In 2024, Trump attacked Democratic opponents like Kamala Harris by highlighting perceived policy failures (e.g., border security), exploiting public dissatisfaction. His 2025 sanctions on law firms tied to past investigations (e.g., WilmerHale’s Mueller connection) targeted their reputational weaknesses.
- Historical Example: In 2016, he nicknamed rivals like “Low-Energy Jeb” Bush, exploiting Jeb’s reserved demeanor to diminish his threat.
- Results: In 2024, these attacks weakened Democratic momentum, contributing to Trump’s win. In 2016, they eliminated primary rivals. However, they can escalate personal feuds, complicating governance.
- In-Betweens: Law 33 flows into Law 17 (Unpredictability), as exploiting weaknesses unpredictably keeps opponents defensive.
Law 38: Think as You Like, but Behave Like Others
Greene’s Principle: Blend in to avoid backlash while pursuing your goals covertly.
- How Trump Uses It: Trump occasionally adopts mainstream GOP rhetoric to broaden his appeal, masking his more radical instincts.
- Recent Example (2024–2025): In 2024, Trump embraced traditional Republican talking points on tax cuts and deregulation to unify the party, while his more controversial actions (e.g., targeting universities) were framed as protecting American values.
- Historical Example: In 2016, he courted evangelicals by adopting pro-life stances, aligning with their values despite his past liberal leanings.
- Results: In 2024, this broadened his coalition, attracting moderate Republicans. In 2016, it secured evangelical votes. However, it risks accusations of hypocrisy when his true intentions surface.
- In-Betweens: Law 38 pairs with Law 25 (Re-Create Yourself), as conforming strategically allows Trump to reinvent his image without alienating key groups.
Stacking Laws for Increased Effect
Trump’s mastery lies in his ability to stack these laws, creating a dynamic, self-reinforcing strategy. Here’s how they flow together:
- Core Loop: Reputation (Law 5) → Attention (Law 6) → Unpredictability (Law 17): Trump guards his reputation as a strongman by courting constant attention through provocative, unpredictable actions. For example, his 2025 executive orders against universities kept him in the spotlight, reinforced his “fighter” image, and unsettled opponents, forcing reactive responses.
- Dependency (Law 11) → Thumbscrew (Law 33): By making allies dependent (e.g., endorsing loyalists like Vance), Trump identifies their weaknesses (e.g., need for his support) to ensure loyalty, creating a tight-knit political machine.
- Reinvention (Law 25) → Conformism (Law 38): Trump reinvents himself (e.g., from businessman to populist) while strategically adopting mainstream rhetoric to avoid alienation, broadening his appeal while advancing his agenda.
- Action (Law 9) → Focus (Law 23): His bold actions (e.g., executive orders) concentrate on key issues like immigration, maximizing impact and reinforcing his reputation as a doer.
This stacking creates a feedback loop: attention fuels reputation, unpredictability maintains control, dependency ensures loyalty, and reinvention keeps him relevant. However, it’s a high-risk strategy, constant controversy and unpredictability can exhaust allies and galvanize opponents, as seen in lawsuits against his 2025 actions.
Recent Historical Results (2024–2025)
- 2024 Election Victory: Trump’s use of Laws 5, 6, 23, and 25 focusing on reputation, attention, key issues, and reinvention, drove high turnout among his base, overcoming legal and media challenges. His focus on economic and immigration grievances resonated, securing swing states.
- Executive Actions (2025): Orders targeting universities and law firms (Laws 9, 17, 33) projected strength but sparked legal pushback, with federal courts ruling against actions like Harvard funding cuts for violating due process. This shows short-term political wins but long-term risks.
- Public Sentiment on X: Posts on X praise Trump’s “genius” in using chaos and attention (Laws 6, 17), but critics highlight governance risks, reflecting polarization.
Historical Context and Long-Term Impact
Historically, Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns showed similar patterns. His 2016 success leveraged Laws 6, 9, and 25 to disrupt the GOP field and dominate media. In 2020, his reliance on Law 5 (reputation) and refusal to concede maintained his influence despite defeat, setting the stage for 2024. However, his approach has drawbacks:
- Polarization: Laws like 6 and 17 deepen divides, as seen in 2020’s election fraud claims, which fueled unrest.
- Legal Risks: Aggressive actions (Law 9) invite lawsuits, as in 2025, potentially undermining his agenda.
- Alienation: Overuse of Laws 6 and 33 can alienate moderates, risking coalition fragility.
Critical Perspective
While Trump’s methods align with Greene’s laws, critics argue they prioritize spectacle over substance. Robert Greene himself has distanced from Trump, noting he “abuses” Law 6 by over-relying on attention, risking backlash. Jeffrey Pfeffer critiques Greene’s laws as lacking empirical rigor, suggesting Trump’s success may owe more to circumstance (e.g., economic discontent) than strategic genius. Yet, supporters see Trump as a natural practitioner, intuitively wielding power in a media-driven age.
Wrapping it up and what’s next…
You’ll notice that I did not analyze the Tariffs in this way, yet.
Rest assured I have a separate piece on it.
I had a lot of fun learning about all of this, researching it, thinking through the nuance, cutting out a lot of other examples and dialing it in. The most interesting, to me, was the In-Betweens, seeing how one Law led to another.
Finally, this is not a pro or anti Trump piece, this is meant to be an analysis.
With that in mind, who would you like me to analyze next?
