Several insiders who worked closely with Donald Trump throughout his political career have raised concerns about changes in his behavior following his 2020 election loss. One of these voices is former Deputy Press Secretary Sarah Matthews, a White House insider who recently shared her perspective on CNN’s The Source with Kaitlan Collins, suggesting that Trump is not the same leader she once knew.
The Alarming Shift in Trump’s Behavior
While many people, from Congress members to his legal and communications teams, have observed Trump’s leadership style, Matthews’ warnings about his mental state are particularly stark. She describes Trump’s fixation on vengeance and his seeming inability to accept his defeat as symptoms of a profound shift in his personality. “This isn’t the same man that I worked for,” Matthews remarked. “Something in him broke in the 2020 election. He was unable to accept that loss and started to unravel.”
This breakdown, according to Matthews, has led to a dramatic transformation, with Trump becoming increasingly volatile. She notes a troubling increase in violent rhetoric and vulgarity, referencing a report from The New York Times showing that his use of profanity in public speeches has surged by 69% since his first campaign. This pattern of behavior suggests a candidate more focused on exacting revenge than on addressing policy concerns.
A Stark Contrast Between Candidates
Matthews went on to compare Trump’s approach with that of his Democratic opponent, highlighting a fundamental difference in focus: “She’s focused on solutions; he’s focused on petty arguments and getting revenge.” Her observations underscore the contrast between Trump’s combative stance and his opponent’s forward-looking strategy.
Despite being known for his media presence, Trump has recently taken an unusual step back, even declining a traditional interview with 60 Minutes, a platform presidential candidates have engaged with for years. Reportedly due to “exhaustion,” this avoidance of the press has raised questions, as Trump’s campaign historically capitalized on public visibility.
A Former Insider’s Warning to Republican Voters
Matthews is not alone in her concerns. John Kelly, Trump’s former Chief of Staff, has also been vocal about his reservations, alleging that Trump once expressed admiration for figures like Hitler and longed for loyal, unquestioning followers. These sentiments have prompted Matthews to warn Republican voters about the risks of re-electing Trump, pointing to his increasing instability and quest for retribution.
As the race for the presidency intensifies, the public will likely weigh these firsthand accounts as they consider the implications of Trump’s potential return to office. For Matthews and other former Trump aides, the 2024 election may indeed serve as a crucial turning point for the future of American leadership.
