Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Jane Goodall Likens Trump To A 'Male Chimpanzee' After Watching Montage Of His Behavior–And Yeah, That Tracks

Jane Goodall with chimp in the background; MSNBC screenshot of Donald Trump
Greg Wood/AFP via Getty Images; MSNBC/YouTube

On The Beat with Ari Melber, Jane Goodall analyzed Trump's behavior as akin to a male chimp 'competing for dominance with another.'

Make us preferred on Google

Renowned primatologist and environmental activist Jane Goodall likened former Republican President Donald Trump to a "male chimpanzee" after watching a montage of his behavior during an interview on MSNBC.

Speaking on The Beat with Ari Melber, Goodall said Trump's behavior is not unlike the kid "a male chimpanzee will show when he is competing for dominance with another.”


Goodall is, of course, the expert. She is considered the world's foremost expert on chimpanzees and is best known for her 60-year study of social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees since she first went to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960, where she witnessed human-like behaviours amongst chimpanzees, including armed conflict.

Goodall made the observation after Melber played her a montage that showed Trump stalking behind Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton during a 2016 debate, hugging and kissing the American flag and calling himself a “perfect physical specimen.”

You can hear what she said in the video below.

Hot Earth Truth: Jane Goodall On Chimps, Conservation And Runaway Capitalism | Summit Seriesyoutu.be

When asked for her opinion on Trump's behavior, Goodall said:

“I see the same sort of behavior as a male chimpanzee will show when he is competing for dominance with another.”
“They’re upright, they swagger, they project themselves as really more large and aggressive than they may actually be in order to intimidate their rivals."

Goodall later commented that "the divisiveness that's being created" in the United States is "a tragedy... that can have ripple effects around the world."

It was a striking observation and most people couldn't help but laugh and agree with it.


Goodall's observation about Trump indicates her opinion has not changed significantly since 2016, when she told The Atlantic that Trump's controversial antics "remind me of male chimpanzees and their dominance rituals."

Noting that male chimpanzees seek to "rise in the dominance hierarchy" by "stamping," "slapping the ground," "dragging branches," and even "throwing rocks," Goodall added that an individual "is likely to rise in the hierarchy" and "maintain that position" the more performative their display.

More from People/donald-trump

Paul LePage
CBS 13 News/YouTube

MAGA Candidate Rages After ICE Targets Family Member For Deportation—And The Hypocrisy Is Rich

Maine's former Tea Party Republican Governor Paul LePage recently returned to the state from his home in Florida to vie for the seat held by retiring Democratic Representative Jared Golden in Maine's 2nd congressional district.

LePage was governor from 2011-2019 and dubbed himself "Trump before Trump" over his bigoted comments, divisive policies, and his frequent tantrums and attacks on opponents and the press.

Keep ReadingShow less
Roseanne Barr (left) lashes out at former TV son Michael Fishman (right) over his comments about the Roseanne reboot’s cancellation.
Can’t Be Censored; Chelsea Guglielmino/Getty Images

Roseanne Barr Lashes Out At 'Little F—king Worm' Former Co-Star Michael Fishman For Saying Reboot Was 'Rightfully Canceled'

Roseanne Barr would like everyone to know she's not bitter. Not even a little.

Sure, she dropped 13 F-bombs in two minutes, called her former TV son Michael Fishman a “little f***ing worm,” celebrated his departure from The Conners, and floated the possibility of suing him.

Keep ReadingShow less
Travis Kelce; Taylor Swift
Michael Owens/Getty Images; NBC

Travis Kelce Reacts To Memes Of Taylor's Viral 'That's My Husband' Video—And They're Hilariously Accurate

Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift have been a favorite celebrity couple since dating rumors first began swirling, and the cute reactions keep coming since they got married in July at Madison Square Garden.

And now Swift is a meme, once again, after adorably shouting out her husband at the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Indianapolis Colts game on September 20.

Keep ReadingShow less
George Michael during George Michael In Concert At The Arena - Amsterdam.
Greetsia Tent/WireImage

Planned VMAs Tribute To George Michael Called Out For Not Featuring Any LGBTQ+ Artists

It's been nearly 10 years since the world lost George Michael, but his music and influence have never really left us. Now, as the MTV VMAs prepare to honor the late music icon, fans already have plenty to say about the upcoming tribute.

From his early days with Wham! to his record-breaking solo career, Michael became one of the most influential pop stars of his generation, selling more than 100 million records worldwide. His success also earned him four MTV Video Music Awards, including the prestigious Video Vanguard Award in 1989.

Keep ReadingShow less
Captain 'Sully' Sullenberger
ABC

Capt. 'Sully' Sullenberger Opens Up About Alzheimer's Diagnosis In Poignant New Interview

Captain Chesley 'Sully' Sullenberger became an American hero on January 15, 2009. The "Miracle on the Hudson" pilot saved 155 passengers and crew aboard Flight 1549 when a bird strike disabled both engines after takeoff from New York's LaGuardia Airport. He and first officer Jeff Skiles landed the plane on the Hudson River.

Throughout his life, Sullenberger has challenged himself to serve others. Now, in what he's calling his "last flight" as he deals with the symptoms of Alzheimer's, he's once again thinking about how to put what he's going through to good use.

Keep ReadingShow less