To really understand how Trump sees the world, you have to layer multiple lenses on top of each other. Trump believes he alone, often through sheer force of will, can solve certain problems. That’s one lens. Layered on top of that is his belief that all of life is a negotiation, and that every negotiation is a zero-sum game. There’s no such thing as a “win-win;” someone will win and someone will lose. Layered on top of that is his belief that personal relationships are paramount, taking precedence in all negotiations, even over mutual interests. And layered on top of that is his belief that creating chaos gives him an advantage, because he’s more comfortable in the mayhem than anyone else.
—Cliff Sims, former special assistant to President Trump