Trump Accused of Using Narcissistic Manipulation Tactic

Psychologists say the former president's 'DARVO' strategy has helped sustain his political career.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 5:48pm

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Mental health experts have long argued that former President Donald Trump's behaviors, including a tendency to gaslight, are detrimental to the nation. Now, psychologists say Trump has also frequently employed another classic narcissist tactic known as DARVO - Deny, Attack, and Reverse Victim and Offender. This manipulative strategy, which Trump has used to deflect accountability, has contributed to distorted perceptions of truth and 'fake news', according to experts.

Why it matters

DARVO is an effective tactic used by narcissists to evade responsibility, and Trump has weaponized it for years to discredit his critics and accusers. Experts say this has sowed confusion and disengagement among the public, making it harder to determine the truth.

The details

Psychologists say Trump has used DARVO to justify imposing tariffs, deflect blame during the 'Signalgate' scandal, and discredit women who have accused him of sexual assault. The tactic involves denying the wrongdoing, attacking the person confronting them, and then reversing the roles to portray themselves as the victim. This allows the perpetrator to continue harmful behavior while feeling justified.

  • Even before his inauguration in 2017, Trump said the voice heard in the infamous 'Access Hollywood' tape wasn't his.
  • A few years later, Trump used DARVO against E. Jean Carroll, who described being sexually assaulted by Trump in her memoir.
  • Just a few weeks ago, Attorney General Pam Bondi extensively used DARVO tactics during her House Judiciary Committee hearing.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States who has been accused of using the DARVO tactic to deflect accountability.

Jennifer Freyd

A pioneer in the field of trauma psychology who coined the term DARVO.

Sarah Harsey

An assistant professor of psychology at Oregon State University-Cascades and the co-author of an op-ed about Trump's use of DARVO.

Avigail Lev

A psychologist in San Francisco who has studied the DARVO tactic.

JD Vance

The former vice president who used DARVO tactics when talking about Renée Good and Alex Pretti, two Minneapolis residents killed by federal agents.

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What they’re saying

“Because DARVO has been a central strategy in Trump's political playbook for years, it has undoubtedly contributed to distorted perceptions of what is true and what is 'fake news.'”

— Jennifer Freyd, Pioneer in the field of trauma psychology

“This technique injects a misleading or fictitious counter-narrative that can be compelling for people to believe. It can also be confusing: Who's telling the truth, what really happened?”

— Sarah Harsey, Assistant professor of psychology

“They become the victim. This allows the actual perpetrator to continue harmful behavior while still feeling justified, because they now see themselves as wronged or victimized.”

— Avigail Lev, Psychologist

What’s next

Experts say that educating the public about the DARVO tactic and encouraging critical thinking can help counter its effects. Reporters should also continue to call out instances of DARVO when they see it.

The takeaway

Trump's use of the DARVO tactic has contributed to a distorted sense of reality and made it harder for the public to determine the truth. Recognizing and calling out this manipulative strategy is crucial to maintaining a shared understanding of facts and holding leaders accountable.