Donald Trump’s Envy Shows As He Tries To Emulate International Leader’s Charisma

President Donald Trump couldn't conceal his jealousy as he boasted to Senate Republicans about wanting his Cabinet to embody the fear and subservience he recently observed within another world leader’s entourage—China’s President Xi Jinping. This declaration, made during a White House breakfast on Wednesday, became one of Trump's most revealing moments. He vividly recounted his encounter with Xi, noting how the Chinese leader’s aides stood rigidly in his presence. Reflecting on this, Trump remarked, “Every one of those people were standing like this,” mimicking their posture. He described how Xi's assistants remained silent when addressed, emphasizing his desire for a similar response from his own Cabinet. The room erupted in laughter as Trump remarked on the unnerving atmosphere. He teased Vice President JD Vance for not exhibiting the same deference. The public and political fallout from this moment fueled claims of Trump's authoritarian tendencies, raising alarms about his leadership style and ongoing longing for unconditional loyalty.