Donald Trump, loyalty and the 'emotional regime' in the White House

Trump appears to demand an emotional commitment that will live up to his expectations

Donald Trump demands loyalty from those working close to him. According to former FBI director James Comey, the president told him at a private meeting: I need loyalty, I expect loyalty.

Comey’s response? I didn’t move, speak, or change my facial expression in any way during the awkward silence that followed. We simply looked at each other in silence.

But what exactly is loyalty? And why did Comey put on his poker face when asked for it?

Loyalty is one of a trio of emotional bases of social life, along with trust and confidence. Trust is about relying on others