Introduction

Friedrich Nietzsche, a philosopher who lived during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is renowned for his postulations on morality, power, and the human condition. Donald Trump, a controversial American politician, has been a polarizing figure in contemporary society. This article explores what Nietzsche's values would say about Trump and his supporters, utilizing Nietzsche's writings and critiques to provide a detailed analysis.

Nietzsche’s Political Philosophy

Nietzsche's political philosophy is often remarked upon for its ambiguity and lack of clear definitions. Unlike the more well-defined works of other philosophers, Nietzsche's corpus does not offer a comprehensive guide to political thought. Nevertheless, his critiques of authoritarianism and his emphasis on the individual superman or 'Ubermensch' provide a rich framework for analyzing a figure like Trump.

Donald Trump's Lack of Insight and Knowledge

Donald Trump's popularity and influence stem from his informal media presence, primarily through social media and television. It is highly unlikely that he has read or even heard of Friedrich Nietzsche. Therefore, any potential critique from Nietzsche on Trump would be speculative, as Trump would not possess the necessary knowledge to engage with Nietzsche's ideas critically.

Nietzsche's Values and Admiration

Nietzsche's admiration for qualities like nobility, self-confidence, and greatness in the individual are central to his philosophy. To determine how Nietzsche would perceive Trump, we must evaluate Trump's behavior and remarks against these criteria.

Trump's Lack of Nobility and Vanity

One of Nietzsche's core values is the instinct for greatness and nobility. A noble individual is confident without needing external validation and is willing to celebrate the greatness in others. Trump, on the other hand, frequently gloats about his success and emphasizes his own intelligence and superiority.

Examples of Trump's Excessive Praise

In a speech, Trump claimed, "This country is so much stronger now than it was when I took office that you wouldnt believe it." He also stated, "I’m the most successful person ever to run for the presidency by far. Nobodys ever been more successful than me." Further, in a speech, Trump boasted about his fingers, declaring them "long and beautiful."

These examples demonstrate a clear lack of self-confidence that does not require external validation, which Nietzsche would find fundamentally un-worthy. According to Nietzsche, a noble individual does not seek to validate their self-worth through external recognition but rather finds it within themselves.

Nietzsche and Trump’s Psychology

Nietzsche viewed the vain person as seeking external validation for their self-worth, often at the expense of acknowledging true greatness in others. Trump's constant self-aggrandizing and thankfulness for his perceived "tremendous difference" run counter to Nietzsche's ideals. Nietzsche would likely see such displays as transparent attempts to gain approval and validation, which are antithetical to the self-sufficient and confident individual he envisioned.

Conclusion: Trump as a Demagogue

In summary, based on Nietzsche's critique of vanity and the qualities of an Ubermensch, it is highly unlikely that Trump would meet Nietzsche's standard of nobility. President Trump's behavior and remarks are more aligned with the characteristics of a demagogue, a figure who seeks to gain power through pandering to the masses and gaining their approval. Nietzsche would likely see such behavior as shallow and unworthy of admiration.

Through this analysis, we see that Nietzsche's values, particularly those of nobility and self-sufficiency, would likely disapprove of Trump's behavior and rhetoric. This article offers a perspective on contemporary political figures through the lens of one of history's most influential philosophers.