Podcast 104: Clash In The Oval Office - Enter The Wisdom Model

In this episode, Gregg, Ron, And Dave analyze the Trump/Zelensky meeting. Using the Wisdom Practice Model for guidance, the team focuses on what can we learn? To pause. To slow our emotions down. To run the events through our personal self-reflection, stories, and examples.

A. Psychological aspects of Zelensky’s meeting with Trump

This analysis has been circulating online regarding the psychological aspects of Zelensky’s meeting with Trump, conducted using ChatGPT. From this analysis,  we witnessed gaslighting, manipulation, and coercion on the part of Trump. 

Key points:

1. Blaming the victim for their own situation

Trump  tells Zelensky: “You have allowed yourself to be in a very bad position.” This is classic abuser rhetoric—blaming the victim for their suffering. 

2. Pressure and coercion into ‘gratitude’

Vance demands that Zelensky say “thank you.” This is an extremely toxic tactic—forcing the victim to express gratitude for the help they desperately need, only to later accuse them of ingratitude if they attempt to assert their rights.

3. Manipulating the concept of ‘peace’

Trump claims that Zelensky is “not ready for peace.” However, what he actually means is Ukraine’s capitulation. This is a classic manipulation technique—substituting the idea of a just peace with the notion of surrender.

4. Refusing to acknowledge the reality of war

Trump  insists that Zelensky has “no cards to play” and that “without us, you have nothing.” This is yet another abusive tactic—undermining the victim’s efforts by asserting that they are powerless without the mercy of their ‘saviour.’

5. Devaluing the victims of war

“If you get a ceasefire, you must accept it so that bullets stop flying and your people stop dying,” Trump says. Yet, he ignores the fact that a ceasefire without guarantees is merely an opportunity for Russia to regroup and strike again.

6. Dominance tactics

Trump constantly interrupts Zelensky, cutting him off: “No, no, you’ve already said enough,” and “You’re not in a position to dictate to us.” This is deliberate psychological pressure designed to establish a hierarchy in which Zelensky is the subordinate.

7. Forcing capitulation under the guise of ‘diplomacy’

Vance asserts that “the path to peace lies through diplomacy.” This is a classic strategy where the aggressor is given the opportunity to continue their aggression unchallenged.

8. Projection and distortion of reality

Trump declares: “You are playing with the lives of millions of people.” Yet, in reality, it is he who is doing exactly that—shifting responsibility onto Zelensky.

9. Creating the illusion that Ukraine ‘owes’ the US

Yes, the US is assisting Ukraine, but presenting this aid as “you must obey, or you will receive nothing” is not a partnership—it is financial and military coercion.

10. Undermining Ukraine’s resistance

Trump states that “if it weren’t for our weapons, this war would have ended in two weeks.” This is an attempt to erase Ukraine’s achievements and portray its efforts as entirely dependent on US support

B. Do you want to Fast this Lent? in the words of Pope Francis 

·      Fast from hurting words and say kind words.

·      Fast from sadness and be filled with gratitude. 

·      Fast from anger and be filled with patience.

·      Fast from pessimism and be filled with hope. 

·      Fast from worries and have trust in God. 

·      Fast from complaints; contemplate simplicity.

·      Fast from pressures and be prayerful.

·      Fast from bitterness, filled your heart with joy.·