He creates problems that only he can fix, “build that wall” and the disastrous tariffs. He normalizes corruption by pardoning criminals and awarding honors on corrupt individuals like Rush Linbaugh and Michael Robert Milken. He slanders heroes, calling them names like “cowards” or “unAmerican.” He repeats a lie loudly and often until it becomes true. The victim is gaslighted, eventually believing, trusting and depending upon his groomer, who has won credibility and trust by expertly separating the victim from his/her protectors, and then villainizing them.

The predator pushes the bar of what is considered normal, inch by inch, until the incomprehensible becomes the new normal.

Trump is going even further, destroying the very institutions that were set up to protect us, like cutting food stamps, rolling back EPA standards, decimating public education, attacking the post office, upending our alliances, along with a myriad of other cutbacks, and draconian programs, like separating children from their parents at the border. In every case, he is creating more dependence on himself, as the one and only true savior from the destruction he himself has caused.

Overwhelmed with the chaos of collapsing systems, instead of turning on him, his followers invest ever more trust and adoration upon him. The more fear, hatred and chaos he generates, the deeper the devotion.

And that’s how and why the predator “wins” his prey.