Latest news with #sociopath
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
13 Ways Sociopaths Charm You While Secretly Undermining You
When you think of a sociopath, you might picture someone cold and distant. But in reality, many sociopaths are charming and persuasive, drawing you in before you realize what's happening. They use a variety of tactics to make you feel special and valued while quietly pulling all of your strings behind the scenes. This listicle will help you recognize these manipulative moves so you can protect yourself. Here are 13 ways sociopaths charm you while secretly undermining you. 1. They Shower You With Compliments At first, it feels like they truly see and appreciate you. Sociopaths are masters at identifying your insecurities and then flooding you with praise to fill those gaps. This tactic is called "love bombing," and it's a common move in the early stages of manipulation. Dr. Martha Stout, a clinical psychologist and author of "The Sociopath Next Door," explains that sociopaths have an uncanny ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world, which makes their influence stronger. But underneath the flattery, their intentions are rarely genuine. Once you're hooked on their words, they slowly start to withdraw the compliments, leaving you craving their approval. This creates a cycle where you're constantly seeking validation from them, giving them more control over you. They manipulate your emotions by alternating between praise and criticism, keeping you off balance. Over time, you might find yourself bending over backward to receive that initial level of admiration. And that's exactly what they want—your constant attention and effort. 2. They Play The Victim Sociopaths have a knack for twisting stories to make themselves appear as the wronged party. They may share tales of past betrayals or hardships to evoke your sympathy and establish a sense of trust. By painting themselves as victims, they not only gain your support but also deflect any suspicion away from their true nature. This tactic can be particularly effective because you naturally want to help and protect those you care about. However, these stories often lack consistency or have glaring holes when scrutinized. As you invest more emotionally in their narrative, you become more reluctant to see any negative traits they might exhibit. This gives them room to maneuver and manipulate without immediate consequence. You might even find yourself defending their actions to others, further isolating you from outside perspectives. Gradually, they weave their web tighter, ensuring you remain on their side, regardless of their behavior. And while you're busy playing defender, they're plotting their next move. 3. They Mirror Your Interests Suddenly, they seem to love everything you love—your hobbies, favorite movies, or even your taste in music. This isn't a coincidence. Sociopaths use a tactic called mirroring to create a false sense of connection and understanding. According to Dr. Robert Hare, a world-renowned expert on psychopathy, this technique helps sociopaths quickly gain trust and establish rapport. By reflecting your interests back at you, they make you feel like you've found a kindred spirit. This shared "bond" can quickly deepen your relationship, making you more susceptible to their influence. You might feel that they truly understand you when, in fact, they're just playing a role. Over time, you'll notice that their interests shift depending on who they're with, revealing the shallow nature of their connections. But by then, you might already be emotionally invested, making it harder to break free. Recognizing this pattern early can be your best defense. 4. They Use Guilt Trips Guilt is a powerful emotion, and sociopaths are experts at using it to their advantage. They may subtly imply that you're responsible for their happiness or well-being, placing an undue burden on your shoulders. This tactic keeps you in a perpetual state of trying to please or appease them, even when it's at your own expense. They might express disappointment or act hurt when you don't meet their ever-changing expectations. This keeps you on edge, always striving to avoid that guilt. The more you fall into this cycle, the more power they wield over you. You might start to second-guess your actions or feel like you're constantly letting them down. This emotional dependency serves their agenda perfectly, as it distracts from their manipulative actions. Your focus shifts from recognizing their wrongdoings to managing your feelings of guilt. It's a sneaky way to ensure you remain under their thumb, always striving to do better by them. 5. They Exploit Your Empathy Empathy is a wonderful trait, but when you're dealing with a sociopath, it becomes a tool they can exploit. They know how to tug at your heartstrings, spinning stories that evoke your compassion and understanding. Research by Dr. Paul Ekman, a psychologist known for his work on emotions and facial expressions, highlights how some sociopaths can mimic emotions they don't actually feel. They use this ability to feign vulnerability, drawing you in closer. The more you care, the more power they have over you. As you invest emotionally, you become more entangled in their web of deceit. Your natural inclination to help and support those in need becomes a gateway for their manipulation. They might rely on your kindness to excuse their bad behavior or to secure your loyalty. Over time, this can drain you emotionally, leaving you questioning your own boundaries and limits. It's important to recognize when your empathy is being used against you so you can protect yourself. 6. They Create Chaos Sociopaths thrive in chaos, often stirring up drama to keep you off balance. They might pit people against each other, spread rumors, or create confusion in your relationships. By destabilizing your environment, they make it difficult for you to see things clearly. This chaos keeps you focused on immediate crises rather than the broader picture of manipulation. You find yourself firefighting, unsure of who to trust or where to turn. In the midst of this turmoil, the sociopath presents themselves as the one constant, a source of support or advice. This deepens your dependency on them, further embedding them in your life. You might not realize that they are the source of the chaos, as they expertly deflect blame onto others. This tactic ensures that you remain distracted and disoriented, unable to challenge their control. It's a clever way to keep you exactly where they want you: under their influence. 7. They Use Your Secrets Against You In the beginning, they encourage you to open up, sharing your deepest thoughts and vulnerabilities. This creates a false sense of intimacy and trust, strengthening the bond between you. According to Dr. David Buss, an evolutionary psychologist, the sharing of secrets is a tactic often used by manipulative individuals to gain leverage over their targets. Once a sociopath knows your secrets, they have powerful ammunition that can be used to control you. Suddenly, your own words and confessions become tools of manipulation. Over time, they might subtly remind you of these secrets, hinting at how easily they could be shared. This keeps you in a state of fear and compliance, worried about what might happen if they choose to betray your trust. It's a form of emotional blackmail that ensures your silence and cooperation. The more they know about you, the tighter their hold becomes. Recognizing this tactic can help you guard your personal information more closely. 8. They Isolate You Isolation is one of the most powerful tools a sociopath uses to maintain control. By cutting you off from friends and family, they ensure that their influence is the only one in your life. They might subtly criticize your loved ones, claiming they don't have your best interests at heart. Over time, these comments can create doubt and lead you to distance yourself from those who care about you. As your social world shrinks, the sociopath's control grows stronger. It's easier for them to manipulate you when there are no outside perspectives challenging their narrative. You might not even realize the isolation is happening until you find yourself feeling alone and cut off. Without the support of your network, breaking free becomes more challenging. This tactic keeps you reliant on them for validation and companionship. Recognizing the signs of isolation can help you maintain those crucial connections that provide balance and perspective. 9. They Create A Sense Of Urgency Sociopaths love to create a sense of urgency, forcing you to make quick decisions without time to think. They might claim there's a limited time to act or that an opportunity is slipping away. This pressure prevents you from fully considering the consequences of your actions or their requests. In the heat of the moment, you might agree to things you wouldn't normally support. They rely on this snap judgment to further their agenda and tighten their grip. Once the urgency passes, you might reflect and realize you were pushed into something against your better judgment. This tactic is particularly effective because it bypasses your rational thinking. You may feel trapped by commitments made in haste, further complicating your ability to escape their influence. Over time, repeated scenarios of urgency can erode your confidence in your own decision-making. Recognizing this pressure can help you take a step back and reclaim your power to decide at your own pace. 10. They Disregard Boundaries Personal boundaries are crucial for healthy relationships, but sociopaths have no respect for them. They might push you to do things you're uncomfortable with or invade your privacy without hesitation. This blatant disregard for boundaries is a way of asserting control and testing how much you'll tolerate. As you concede to their demands, your own sense of self and autonomy begins to erode. You might find yourself making excuses for their behavior, rationalizing it as love or care. Over time, this pattern becomes normalized, and your boundaries become increasingly blurred. The more you give in, the more they take, leaving you feeling trapped or powerless. It's important to recognize when your boundaries are being crossed and to stand firm in your convictions. Re-establishing these boundaries can help you regain control and protect your well-being. Understanding their tactics is the first step to reclaiming your space and autonomy. 11. They Lie And Manipulate Lies and manipulation are the bread and butter of a sociopath's strategy. They might tell half-truths, distort facts, or outright lie to keep you confused and compliant. This constant deception makes it difficult to trust your own perceptions or judgment. You're left questioning reality, unsure of what's true and what isn't. This fog of confusion serves to keep you reliant on them for clarity and direction. Their manipulation is so subtle that you might not even realize it's happening until you're deeply entangled. It's a slow erosion of your confidence and independence, making you more susceptible to their control. Each lie builds upon the last, creating a web that's difficult to disentangle. Recognizing their pattern of deceit can help you remain grounded in your reality. Trusting your instincts and seeking outside perspectives are vital tools in counteracting their manipulation. 12. They Have Jekyll And Hyde Personalities One moment they're charming and loving, and the next they're cold and distant. This unpredictable switch in personality keeps you constantly on your toes, unsure of which version of them you'll encounter. This inconsistency is a calculated move to keep you emotionally off balance. When they're in "Jekyll" mode, they draw you in with kindness and affection. But when "Hyde" appears, you're left scrambling to figure out how to get back to the good times. This cycle of hot and cold can be emotionally exhausting, leaving you questioning what you've done to trigger the change. Over time, you might find yourself walking on eggshells, trying to maintain the peace. This unpredictability is designed to keep you in a state of anxiety and dependency. Understanding this pattern can help you see through the facade and recognize the manipulation at play. It's a reminder that their behavior isn't a reflection of you, but a tactic to keep you in line. 13. They Make You Doubt Yourself Slowly, they chip away at your self-esteem, leaving you second-guessing your every move. They might subtly undermine your achievements, question your abilities, or highlight your failures. This constant erosion of confidence makes you more reliant on them for validation. You might find yourself seeking their approval more and more, losing sight of your own worth. This tactic is particularly insidious because it attacks your core sense of self. As your self-doubt grows, so does their control. They capitalize on your insecurity, making it easier to manipulate you into doing what they want. It's a gradual process that can leave you feeling lost and unsure of your own judgment. By recognizing this pattern, you can begin to rebuild your confidence and trust in yourself. Reasserting your sense of self-worth is crucial in breaking free from their grip and reclaiming your independence. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
14 Ways To Spot A Sociopath In Your Life
Spotting a sociopath in your life can be a daunting task. These people often blend into social settings seamlessly, making it challenging to identify their true nature. While it's not your job to diagnose someone, knowing specific traits can help you maintain healthy boundaries and protect yourself. Here are 14 ways to spot a sociopath, providing insights to navigate these tricky waters with confidence. 1. They Exude Superficial Charm Sociopaths are often incredibly charming, making a memorable first impression. Their charisma can be captivating, drawing you in before you know it. However, this charm often feels too slick, like a well-rehearsed play. Dr. Martha Stout, in her book "The Sociopath Next Door," notes that this charm can quickly dissolve once they achieve what they want from you. Watch for inconsistencies between their smooth exterior and their actions over time. Their charm can be used to manipulate and control those around them. It's important to distinguish genuine friendliness from this superficial allure. If you notice someone is always the life of the party but leaves a trail of discomfort or confusion, it might be a red flag. They can have a knack for making people feel special, only to vanish when their needs are met. Understanding this behavior can help you see past the facade. 2. They Feed Off People Like Parasites Sociopaths often lead a parasitic lifestyle, relying on others to meet their needs. They might manipulate friends, family, or partners to support them financially or emotionally. This dependency can be disguised as charm or helplessness, making it difficult to spot initially. Over time, their reliance becomes more apparent, creating an imbalanced relationship. If someone consistently takes without giving back, it might be a cause for concern. Their parasitic tendencies can strain relationships, leaving you feeling used and undervalued. This behavior stems from a sense of entitlement, where they believe others should serve their needs. They might exploit your generosity or kindness, draining your resources over time. This dynamic can be emotionally taxing, affecting your self-esteem and well-being. Recognizing this pattern allows you to set boundaries and protect your interests. 3. They Tend To Be Pathological Liars Sociopaths often lie with ease and frequency. These lies may range from small fabrications to elaborate deceptions. Dr. Robert Hare, an expert on psychopathy, explains that sociopaths lie not just out of necessity but because they find it enjoyable. It's not just about hiding the truth; it's about gaining control and keeping others in a state of confusion. If someone's stories don't add up, it's time to question the narrative. They might twist reality to suit their needs, leaving you questioning your perception. This constant deceit can create a toxic environment where trust erodes over time. You might feel like you're always playing detective, trying to piece together the truth. This behavior can be draining, affecting your mental well-being and relationships. Spotting these patterns early can save you from emotional turmoil. 4. They Engage In Manipulative Behavior Sociopaths are skilled manipulators, often orchestrating situations to their advantage. This manipulation can be subtle, making it hard to pinpoint. They might play the victim or use guilt to sway others. If you find yourself feeling responsible for their problems, take a step back. Assess the situation objectively, and you may notice a pattern of manipulation. Their tactics can be relentless, targeting your emotions and vulnerabilities. They may use flattery or charm as tools of persuasion, clouding your judgment. Over time, you might feel isolated, unsure of who to trust. This isolating effect can be intentional, designed to make you more reliant on them. Recognizing these techniques can help you maintain control over your interactions. 5. They Have A Grandiose Sense of Self Sociopaths often possess an inflated sense of self-worth. They may believe they're smarter or more talented than everyone else. Dr. Scott Lilienfeld, a psychologist specializing in personality disorders, notes that this grandiosity can mask deep-seated insecurities. It's important to recognize when someone consistently elevates themselves above others. This behavior can strain relationships and foster an environment of tension. Their need for admiration can lead to exaggerated stories or achievements. They might take credit for others' work or embellish their successes. This self-centeredness can make meaningful relationships difficult, as they often disregard others' contributions. If someone continually puts themselves on a pedestal, it's crucial to remain grounded in your perception. Understanding this trait can help you manage your expectations. 6. They're Reckless And Impulsive Impulsive behavior is another common trait among sociopaths. They often act without considering the consequences, driven by immediate gratification. This impulsivity can manifest in reckless spending, risky behavior, or sudden changes in plans. Such actions might seem exciting initially but can lead to chaos and instability. If someone in your life consistently acts on impulse, it could be a cause for concern. Their decisions may appear erratic, leaving you in a constant state of uncertainty. Living with or around someone impulsive can be challenging, as their unpredictability affects those around them. They may not learn from past mistakes, repeating destructive patterns. This lack of foresight indicates a deeper issue, impacting their ability to form stable relationships. Recognizing impulsivity can help you anticipate potential issues. 7. They Never Show Signs Of Remorse Sociopaths rarely feel remorse for their actions, even when they've hurt others. This lack of guilt allows them to navigate life without the burden of conscience. A study by Blair et al. published in the National Academy of Sciences highlights how sociopaths often have a reduced ability to process emotional cues related to guilt. This distinguishes them from those who may act selfishly but feel genuine regret. It's crucial to recognize this absence of remorse when assessing someone's behavior. Without guilt, they may repeat harmful actions without hesitation. This can result in a trail of damaged relationships and unresolved conflicts. Their inability to apologize sincerely can be frustrating for those around them. You'll notice that their apologies, if given, often lack depth or sincerity. Awareness of this trait can help you manage your expectations in interactions. 8. They're Immature And Irresponsible A pattern of irresponsibility may mark a sociopath's life. This can manifest in various forms, such as neglecting obligations or failing to honor commitments. They might shirk responsibilities at work, in relationships, or within the community. This behavior often leaves others picking up the pieces, fostering resentment and frustration. If someone consistently avoids accountability, it could be a sign of deeper issues. Their disregard for responsibility can create chaos and instability in their environment. Over time, this behavior erodes trust and damages relationships. They may rely on others to bail them out of difficult situations, often without gratitude. This dependency can become a burden, draining your emotional and physical resources. Recognizing this pattern early can prevent unnecessary stress and hardship. 9. They Can't Control Their Emotions Sociopaths often struggle to maintain control over their emotions and actions. This lack of control can lead to inappropriate outbursts or erratic behavior. They may react impulsively to minor frustrations, unnecessarily escalating situations. Such behavior can be unsettling, creating an unpredictable and tense atmosphere. If someone frequently loses control, it could be indicative of underlying issues. Their emotional volatility can be exhausting for those around them. Over time, you might find yourself walking on eggshells, trying to avoid triggering an outburst. This environment can be detrimental to your mental health and well-being. It's important to recognize when someone can't regulate their behavior effectively. Setting boundaries can help protect your emotional space. 10. They Have A Noticeable Lack Of Empathy A hallmark of sociopathy is a notable lack of empathy. These people struggle to put themselves in others' shoes, often appearing cold or indifferent. They might mimic empathetic responses, but their actions rarely match their words. Pay attention to how they react to others' pain—they may seem disinterested or even amused. This inability to feel or express genuine concern sets them apart. When someone constantly dismisses or minimizes the feelings of others, it can be a sign of deeper issues. This lack of empathy can manifest in relationships, where they prioritize their needs over anyone else's. You may notice them exploiting others without remorse, leaving emotional damage in their wake. Engaging with them can feel like a one-sided affair, where your emotions are undervalued. Recognizing this trait can help you set necessary boundaries. 11. They Lack Any Real Depth Sociopaths often exhibit shallow emotions, lacking depth and complexity. Their emotional responses may feel insincere or exaggerated, as though they're performing a role. This superficiality can make genuine connections difficult, as they struggle to express authentic feelings. You might notice that their emotions seem disconnected from the situation at hand. This shallowness can be unsettling, leaving you questioning their sincerity. Their inability to experience deep emotions can affect relationships, making them feel transactional or one-sided. They might mimic emotions to fit in, but these displays often feel hollow. Over time, you may find their emotional range limited, lacking the nuances of genuine human experience. This superficiality can create a sense of distance and alienation. Recognizing this trait can help you manage your expectations in interactions. 12. They Probably Had Early Behavioral Problems Many sociopaths display behavioral problems early in life. These issues may include aggression, deceit, or defiance, often continuing into adulthood. If someone in your life had a troubled childhood with persistent behavioral issues, it might be worth noting. However, not everyone with a difficult past becomes a sociopath, so it's essential to consider the broader context. Early warning signs can provide valuable insights into their later behavior. These early issues often set the stage for more significant problems later in life. While rebellious behavior doesn't always indicate sociopathy, persistent patterns can be telling. As they grow older, these traits may evolve into more sophisticated manipulations or deceptions. Understanding the roots of their behavior can help you navigate your relationship with them. Early intervention and awareness are crucial in managing these dynamics. 13. They Get Bored Really Easily Sociopaths frequently experience boredom, requiring constant stimulation to feel engaged. They might seek out risky or adventurous activities to fill the void. This need for excitement often drives impulsive decisions, contributing to chaotic lifestyles. If someone in your life constantly seeks thrills or changes, it could be a sign of underlying issues. This restlessness can create an unstable environment, affecting those around them. Their boredom can lead to destructive behavior, as they prioritize excitement over stability. This pursuit of novelty often disregards the consequences, leaving a trail of chaos. Over time, their actions can strain relationships, as others struggle to keep up with their ever-changing desires. It's important to recognize this pattern and establish boundaries to protect your well-being. Understanding their need for stimulation can help you anticipate potential challenges. 14. They Don't Have Any Long-Term Goals Sociopaths often struggle to set or achieve long-term goals. Their focus tends to be on immediate gratification, lacking foresight or planning. You might notice that they frequently change jobs, relationships, or interests, never settling down. This instability can create a sense of chaos, affecting both their lives and those around them. If someone consistently lacks direction, it might be indicative of deeper issues. Their inability to commit to long-term plans can hinder personal growth and development. This behavior often stems from a lack of responsibility or foresight. Relationships with such people can be challenging, as their unpredictability creates uncertainty. Over time, this pattern can lead to frustration and disappointment for both parties. Recognizing this tendency can help you manage expectations and navigate your relationship effectively. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Times
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A Prep School Predator Haunts Joyce Carol Oates's New Novel
FOX, by Joyce Carol Oates Joyce Carol Oates's impressive and unsettling new novel, 'Fox,' concerns the far-reaching damage unleashed by a self-serving sociopath. Francis Harlan Fox, a predatory English teacher at an elite boarding school in southern New Jersey, uses his authority to sexually abuse his adolescent female students, and manipulates everyone around him — his few friends, parents, the school headmistress, the legal system — to create cover. His galactic indifference to other people's suffering is horrifying yet remarkably engrossing. When an unidentified corpse, torn apart by animals, is discovered in Fox's car at the bottom of a ravine, the mystery provides a narrative throughline that Oates expertly uses to toggle back and forth between the past and present. It won't be long before most readers will find themselves hoping that the unlucky party is Fox, and even wish that he could have died more than once. 'Lolita' casts a long shadow over this book. Fox's office neighbor is named Quilty, and Fox himself, protesting too much, is an outspoken hater of Nabokov's novel. The attention given to the perspectives of Fox's victims can be seen as a rejoinder to Humbert Humbert's narrative monopoly in 'Lolita.' One of these victims, Mary Ann Healy, is a scholarship student with a rough family life, and the portrait that Oates draws of her is particularly affecting. After entering puberty at an early age, Mary Ann finds herself bewilderingly and crushingly ostracized by male relatives, bullied by schoolmates and admonished by her fearful mother. 'Freak! Freaky! — Dirty girl,' she's told. 'In dreams as in actual life she heard these words which were sometimes taunts, sometimes accusations, sometimes uttered in vehement disgust but sometimes, which frightened most, in a kind of reluctant and resentful awe.' She is exactly the sort of student who desperately needs a safe, nurturing influence. Instead, she gets Mr. Fox. Mary Ann becomes conspicuously infatuated with him, but Fox, seeing her more as a threat to his cover than potential quarry, shuns her and sends her spiraling out of school and out of town altogether. Hauntingly, the novel does not resolve her fate. Oates is (and I write this as a fan) not known for her moderation, so her restraint here is notable. She leaves it to the reader's imagination to consider Mary Ann's future, though it's hard to be optimistic about her chances. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Daily Mail
13-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE How to tell if they are REALLY gaslighting you or are YOU the one with the problem?: DR ISABELLE MORLEY
Back in 2021, I realized many of my clients and friends were wrongly diagnosing their exes as sociopaths. Since then, as therapy has become not only widely accepted, but also a badge of honor to say you're 'doing the work', it seems everyone is now a clinical expert.
The Guardian
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Trump has ‘never evolved, which is dangerous', his niece Mary Trump says
Donald Trump has 'never evolved' and 'isn't close with anybody', according to Mary Trump, the US president's niece and a vocal critic of his business and political career. The daughter of Donald's older brother, Fred Trump Jr (nicknamed Freddie), Mary Trump told the Hay festival in Wales – where she was discussing her latest book about the Trump family, Who Could Ever Love You – that she no longer has relationships with anyone in her family apart from her daughter. She described herself as 'the black sheep of the family', calling her grandfather, Fred Trump, Donald's father, 'literally a sociopath', and adding: 'Cruelty is a theme in my family.' She explained that much of her understanding of her uncle comes from when she was in her 20s and Donald hired her to ghostwrite his second book. 'I can't say we got closer, because Donald isn't close with anybody,' she said, but working with him for six months in his office, she got 'a little bit more insight'. 'He is the only person I've ever met who's never evolved, which is dangerous by the way,' she said. 'Never choose as your leader somebody who's incapable of evolving – that should be one of the lessons we've learned, for sure.' She also described the president as 'one of the most provincial people I know, and that does not serve us well, at all'. Reading from her book, she described the moment a friend of her father's, Anna Maria, met Donald for the first time. 'When she first encountered Donald, he was a cocky, rude teenager, who was intensely jealous of his older brother, Freddie. 'Donald didn't have any friends, so she felt sorry for him, but whenever they included him, they regretted it. Nobody in Freddie's circle could bear to be around this arrogant, self important, humorless kid. 'Over the years, Anna Maria watched Donald devolve into an even more arrogant adult with a widening, cruel streak.' In the book she also recounts Donald throwing a baseball at his young nieces and nephews when he was in his 20s and she was eight years old. Her brother bought her a catcher's mitt for Christmas one year, and she 'realised it was probably to protect me from having every bone in my hand broken from Donald throwing a baseball at me as hard as he could'. Mary also told audiences that after Donald's older sister, Elizabeth, was born, doctors told his mother 'that it would be very dangerous for her to have more children' because of her health issues. 'She did, and the next one was Donald. About which I will say nothing more,' Mary joked. His mother later became very ill, meaning Donald, 'at a very crucial developmental period, did not have his primary caregiver, and the only person left was his dad, the sociopath. So you can imagine how that sort of changed the trajectory of Donald's life'. Mary is a psychologist whose previous books, Too Much and Never Enough and The Reckoning, also involve her uncle. She distanced herself from him around the time he began his first presidential term in 2017. In 2021, the former president sued her for $100m for giving the New York Times information for its investigation into his finances. The lawsuit sends 'a very clear message to me', she said. 'But what if everybody capitulates? Then what? Well, then we lose, and that's unacceptable'. She added that she does not 'understand people who are afraid of Donald, because he's so pathetic. I would be embarrassed to be afraid of him'.
