In "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," Michael Wolff explores former President Donald Trump's desire to confront and belittle the FBI director. This reflects a broader theme in Trump’s personality, where cruelty often plays a significant role. His approach to leadership was marked by a willingness to engage in humiliation, particularly towards those he deemed adversaries. This tendency highlights how interpersonal dynamics shaped the environment within the Trump administration.

The book illustrates that Trump’s actions were not merely impulsive but rather a calculated part of his character. His motivation to intimidate and assert dominance over figures like the FBI director showcases a strategic playbook driven by a desire for control. By doing so, Trump reinforced his image while simultaneously undermining established institutions, creating a notable tension in political and social discourse during his tenure.