Trump Tough: The Art of Surviving (and Thriving) at the Top – Business Lessons, Media Dominance, and the Power of Grit

​By William Ballard

Can you believe someone accused President Trump of being chicken? 

On May 28, 2025, President Trump participated in a swearing-in ceremony for Jeanine Pirro as the Interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia. During the Q/A time a reporter stated:

"Wall Street Analyst have coined a new term, 'Taco Trade' saying, 'Trump always chickens out on the tariff threats, and that's why the markets are higher this week', what is your response to that?"  You can watch the back-and-forth below. 

​In chapter twelve of “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) he states the time has come to stop being diplomatic and always playing Mr. Nice Guy toward our trade rivals. That when our adversaries see fear in our eyes or hear it in our voice, we are as good as gone. "A person may be able to survive in politics or a State Department job with no discernable talent, but in business -- whether you're a man or a woman -- you must have a quality for which there is, unfortunately, no better term than "balls." 

​And if that wasn't enough, Trump goes on talk about how proposing setting up a panel of sorts of all-star corporate leaders, independent dealmakers, and other nonpolitical public figures -- he even went as far as to lay out who he thought should be on this panel. And then he went on to say this: 

"The first thing I would propose is the imposition of a 20 percent tax on imports from Japan, Germany, and other countries that don't play by the rules. That money--which would amount to billions of dollars-- could reduce the federal deficit and pay for education, housing, and medical care in poor areas throughout America. And what if the Japanese slapped a tax on us in response? The fact is, the effect would be negligible because we buy a whole lot more from the Japanese than we sell them." 

That sounds a lot like what he has been saying today. Trump, if for one thing, is definitely consistent.

Let’s face it: few names spark as much debate—and curiosity—as Donald Trump. Whether you see him as the golden-haired business maverick, the TV tycoon, or simply as “The Donald,” one thing is clear: Trump has built his brand on toughness.

​But what does “Trump toughness” really mean? Is it just a show, or is there real grit behind the glitz?
 
Peek into the pages of “Trump: Surviving at the Top" and you’ll discover that Trump’s view of toughness is anything but ordinary. It’s not just about flexing muscles or making deals with a steely glare. For Trump, toughness is about resilience and a refusal to quit—even when the odds (and the headlines) are stacked against you.
 
But don’t worry, this isn’t a dry business lecture. Trump’s approach to toughness is peppered with humor, a dash of bravado, and more than a few eyebrow-raising stories. Buckle up as we explore what “Trump Tough” looks like—and how you can borrow a few pages from his playbook.
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Surviving at the Top: How Not to Deal with a Bully

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​In chapter twelve of “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) Trump lays out what it really takes to stay on top when the world seems determined to knock you down. The stories are larger-than-life, but the lessons are surprisingly down-to-earth.

Trump goes on to say about how in a recent newspaper it stated how American auto-makers were suffering, but Toyota Motor Company had nearly $12 billion in cash and one of its biggest problems at the time was finding out what to do with that money. 

He goes on to mention how Roger Smith, the head of General Motors at the time, was knocking his own product and bowing a knee to the Japanese on a nationalized news program by saying how his product wasn't up to the Japanese standard yet. Trump asserts, "I know Roger Smith could never have risen to the top of such a huge corporation if he were really as weak as he sounded on that show." ​

You see, Trump doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of certain things, especially things of economic value. In other words, don't try to stroke the ego of a bully (Toyota Motor Company); instead, hit them where it hurts (expose their $12 billion in cash reserves) and find out why they aren't playing fair in the trade game -- if you're struggling to find out what to do with that surplus, how about investing in American craftmanship? 
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Humor as a Business Strategy: The Trump Way

​If you think business is all about stiff suits and somber boardrooms, think again. Trump’s humor—sometimes biting, often self-deprecating—serves as one of his strongest business tools. In chapter twelve of Surviving at the Top, he dishes out advice with a wink, often poking fun at himself or the absurdities of high-stakes real estate.
 
Why does humor matter in business?

​For starters, it keeps you sane. Trump admits that laughter helped him survive when reporters were circling and the markets were wobbling. He also used humor to disarm rivals, win over skeptics, and turn tense negotiations into friendly banter.
 
So, if you’re facing a tough quarter or a cranky client, take a page from Trump: crack a joke, lighten the mood, and remember that business—and life—are a lot more fun when you don’t take yourself too seriously.
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Transitioning from Setback to Comeback: The Trump Blueprint

​Every business mogul faces setbacks, but not everyone turns them into comebacks the way Trump does. In “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) he recounts moments when the future looked grim—when projects stalled, debts mounted, and the critics crowed. But instead of hiding, Trump doubled down.
 
His blueprint?

​Embrace the setback, analyze the mess, and then charge forward with even more determination. He famously said, “If you’re going to be thinking anyway, you might as well think big.” For Trump, even a crisis was an invitation to dream bigger and push harder.
 
The key is not to let fear dictate your actions. Trump’s tenacity is legendary—not because he never failed, but because he refused to let failure be the final word.
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The Power of Personal Branding: More than Just Hair

​Let’s be honest: Trump’s hair is almost as famous as his business deals. But beneath the iconic coif lies a master class in personal branding. Trump understands that to survive (and thrive) at the top, you need to be seen, remembered, and—yes—talked about.
 
In Surviving at the Top, Trump discusses how his name became synonymous with luxury, toughness, and, occasionally, controversy. He didn’t just build buildings; he built a persona. Every interview, every quip, every headline was part of a bigger strategy: making Trump the brand that could weather any storm.
 
The lesson?

​In business, your reputation is everything. Craft it carefully, protect it fiercely, and never be afraid to stand out—even if it means a few late-night talk show jokes at your expense.
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Negotiation with a Punchline: How Trump Wins Deals

​Negotiation is an art form, and Trump is the Picasso of the punchline. In “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) he reveals how humor, confidence, and a little bit of theatrics can turn a tough negotiation in your favor.
 
Trump’s style?

​He enters the room with confidence, listens more than he talks (at least at first), and isn’t afraid to throw in a witty remark to break the tension. “If you act tough, people will treat you tough. But if you act human, they’ll want to make a deal,” he quips.
 
So, next time you’re bargaining for a raise or closing a client, channel a little Trump: be bold, be funny, and never underestimate the power of a well-timed joke.
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Building Resilient Teams: Toughness Isn’t a Solo Act

​Trump may be the face of his empire, but in chapter twelve of Surviving at the Top, he is quick to credit his team. He means to surround himself with people who are smart, loyal, and—most importantly--tough in their own right.
 
He handpicks advisors who aren’t afraid to disagree with him (and who can take a joke). Trump’s leadership style is direct, sometimes brash, but always focused on bringing out the best in his team. He believes that a little competition—and a lot of laughs—make for a stronger business.
 
Remember: No business titan succeeds alone. Build your own “dream team” of tough-minded, fast-thinking colleagues and success will follow.
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Media Mastery: Turning Headlines into Opportunities

​Trump’s relationship with the media is legendary—sometimes combative, sometimes playful, but always strategic. In “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) he reveals how negative headlines can be flipped into positive publicity, if you know how to play the game.
 
His strategy?

​Never shy away from the spotlight. Trump says, “If they’re going to write about you, make sure they spell your name right—and make sure you give them something worth writing about.” He turns criticism into soundbites, controversy into conversation starters, and always keeps his audience guessing.
 
For entrepreneurs, the lesson is clear: don’t fear bad press. Instead, use it as a platform to showcase your resilience, humor, and—yes—your trademark style.
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The Grit Factor: Why Persistence Outranks Raw Talent

​Some say Trump was born with a silver spoon; others say he worked for every dollar. Regardless, nobody can deny his persistence. In chapter twelve of Surviving at the Top, he returns again and again to the theme of grit—the stubborn refusal to give up, even when the going gets tough (and the polls get rough).
 
It’s not enough to be smart or lucky; you have to be relentless. Trump tells stories of chasing deals for years, refusing to accept “no” as an answer, and always believing that the next big break was just around the corner.
 
So, whether you’re launching a business, hunting for your next ​client, or just trying to survive Monday, remember: grit beats talent when talent gets tired.
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Applying Trump Toughness to Your Own Business

​You may not own a Manhattan skyscraper or a golden golf course (yet), but the lessons from “Trump: Surviving at the Top” are surprisingly universal. Toughness isn’t about being ruthless; it’s about resilience, humor, and never losing sight of your goals—even when the world tells you to pack it in.
 
Start by treating setbacks as stepping stones. Instead of viewing your mistakes as your weakness—learn from them. Build a team that challenges you. And when the media (or your competitors) come knocking, give them a reason to talk about you for all the right reasons.
 
Above all, remember: the top is a tough place to be, but there’s always room for another fighter—with a positive attitude.
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Lighten Up, Level Up and Be Trump Tough

​​If there’s one thing chapter twelve of “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF) teaches us, it’s that toughness and humor go hand-in-hand. In a world obsessed with image and power, Trump’s willingness to poke fun at himself (and everyone else) is oddly refreshing.
 
When the going gets tough, Trump doesn’t just get going—he gets laughing. And in the end, that may be the real secret to surviving at the top: don’t just outlast your rivals, outlaugh them.
 
So, whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned CEO, take a page from Trump’s playbook. Work hard, play harder, and never, ever lose your sense of humor.
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Bringing It All Together: The Trump Toughness Checklist

Let’s wrap things up with a quick checklist—a Trumpian cheat sheet for surviving (and thriving) at the top:

• Embrace adversity: Setbacks are inevitable; comebacks are optional.
• Use humor as armor: Laughter disarms critics and wins allies.
• Brand yourself boldly: Be memorable, even if it means ruffling a few feathers.
• Negotiate with confidence: And don’t be afraid to throw in a punchline.
• Build a tough team: Surround yourself with winners.
• Master the media: Turn bad press into buzz.
• Persist, persist, persist: Grit trumps talent every time.
• Lighten up: If you can’t laugh at yourself, someone else will.

 
​Apply these lessons, and you just might find yourself not only surviving—but thriving—at the very top.
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Final Thoughts

​Trump goes on to close out his work in “Trump: Surviving at the Top” (AFF)​ like this:

"So, in the end, what is toughness, as I see it, midway through my life? Toughness is pride, drive, commitment, and the courage to follow through on things you believe in, even when they are under attack. It is solving problems instead of letting them fester. It is being who you really are, even when society wants you to be somebody else (integrity). Toughness is walking away from things you want because, for one reason or another, acquiring them doesn't make sense (discipline). Toughness is knowing how to be a gracious winner -- and rebounding quickly when you lose (resilient). 

For a nation, toughness means avoiding complacency, meeting and solving problems head-on, and being willing to use power for goals you know are honorable. In business, toughness means playing by the rules but also putting those rules to work for you. It is looking at an adversary across the desk and saying simply, No." 

​To that end, are you Trump tough? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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William Ballard is the founder and CEO of William Ballard & Associates, LLC. He is a serial entrepreneur and has built a successful career leading and growing organizations based, in large part, on his ability to ask great questions, speak with candor, and identify talented people with whom to collaborate.

​It’s from this foundation that William helps aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, and ministry leaders navigate organizational, industry, and societal changes to move their organizations closer towards their vision.