In Michael Wolff's book "Fire and Fury: Inside the Trump White House," it is suggested that Donald Trump operates under a mindset where he views success as a zero-sum game. This means that he believes that for someone else to gain an advantage, it must come at his expense. Consequently, he struggles to tolerate the idea that others might benefit or succeed while he perceives himself to be losing something.

This perspective shapes his interactions and decisions, leading him to see every situation as a competition where he must either win or lose. For Trump, any value or achievement is either taken from him or added to his own tally, creating a constant pressure to protect his perceived interests and position. This mindset deeply influences the dynamics within his administration and his approach to relationships.