re: #113 HappyWarrior

I suspect in a few years we’re going to find out that at least some of these leaks, like “let’s buy Greenland,” are a means by which Trump tests the waters on a whimsical notion that he thinks will make him look smart and savvy, but that he’s afraid to commit to by simply saying aloud lest it make him seem foolish.

The other thing that might be going on is the narcissist tactic of gauging loyalty (or more accurately, compliance) by making a ridiculous claim and seeing who rejects that claim versus plays along. So “buy Greenland” is a gambit to test the people around him, and the media, and his followers to see whether they praise his idea, or at least reject it in a graceful manner. But it’s also a gambit vis-a-via Denmark…again, whether or not he’s serious about the idea, if Denmark gives an emphatic “No” Trump will view that as lack of deference, and thus lack of loyalty (to his pasty ass), and thus lack of worth.

eta: in which case, the meeting cancellation is a kind of punishment, but also a gambit to see if cancelling changes Denmark’s behavior or makes them soften their statement. Because it’s not about actual material goals, it’s about the feeling of winning and power.