Donald Trump’s political ascent is not an isolated event but rather a reflection of deeply ingrained American dynamics: greed, hypocrisy, and a steadfast belief in American exceptionalism.
Greed: Fueling the American System
American capitalism has long valued success, but this has evolved into an environment where excessive wealth concentration and corporate influence dominate. Trump’s business career and presidency exemplify these traits. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, marketed as a boon for the middle class, primarily benefited corporations and the wealthy, with companies often using savings for stock buybacks rather than reinvestment or worker benefits. This policy reinforced a system where profit and personal gain influence public policy, institutionalizing greed.
Furthermore, Trump’s push for deregulation, particularly in environmental and financial sectors, prioritized corporate interests over public good. This approach, rolling back oversight for industries like fossil fuels and banking, continued a trend where safeguarding corporate interests is framed as progress, even at the expense of long-term societal well-being.
Hypocrisy: The American Duality
The gap between American rhetoric and reality is not new, but Trump’s populism brought these contradictions to the forefront. His campaign promised to protect American jobs through economic nationalism, yet his own business history involved outsourcing and international partnerships—practices he publicly condemned. This highlights a broader hypocrisy where a populist narrative often masks business strategies rooted in global commerce and personal profit.
This duplicity extends beyond Trump. Contradictions in immigration and foreign policy have been common across administrations. Condemnations of certain international practices or appeals to national identity have often given way to policies that weaken civil liberties or favor special interests. This reveals a persistent double standard: leaders publicly champion the “common man” while enacting policies that benefit established elites.
Exceptionalism: Justifying Shortcomings
The belief that the United States is uniquely destined to lead the world is a core American myth, often used to obscure internal failures. Trump’s “America First” philosophy updated this narrative. This doctrine justified withdrawing from international agreements like the Paris Climate Accord, framed as protecting national interests but rooted in a belief in American supremacy. Historically, such isolationist stances often prove detrimental when faced with economic realities. American exceptionalism can act as a shield against addressing shortcomings in healthcare, education, and social justice.
Domestically, this narrative has hindered reform. Dismissing universal healthcare as “socialist,” for instance, reflects discomfort with confronting systemic inequalities. Despite its strengths, the U.S. lags behind peers in many quality-of-life measures. This paradox—promoting national superiority while neglecting fundamental domestic issues—obstructs necessary introspection.
Conclusion: Addressing the System
Trump did not invent these issues; he embodied them. His rise reflects an American tradition that often prioritizes profit and power over collective progress. Moving forward requires systemic reform: rethinking economic structures that favor short-term gains, demanding accountability from leaders, and re-examining cultural myths that hide national vulnerabilities. Confronting these foundational problems is crucial to prevent future leaders from merely reflecting, rather than resolving, long-standing dysfunction.