ABSTRACT
Chapter 7, “The Problematic Presidency of a National Celebrity: Donald J. Trump,” investigates the character and leadership of Donald Trump. This chapter delves into Trump's morally challenged character and his bluster-filled leadership. It argues that his lack of political experience and self-aggrandizing celebrity have made him unable to perform any role other than partisan warrior. He has failed to enlarge his coalition and he has further contributed to deepening the partisan polarization and negative partisanship in the electorate. Although his third year in office involved a presidential impeachment that stemmed from ethical transgressions in his foreign relations with Ukraine, his morally questionable and hubris-filled leadership approach was evident at the start of the year on the issue of funding the construction of a border wall on the southern border. Trump's failed leadership during his third year and his low net approval ratings suggest his reelection prospects are not strong.
