Donald Trump’s political style, often characterized by bold pronouncements and direct attacks on the establishment, has drawn comparisons to historical figures like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan. Both FDR and Reagan were known for their populist rhetoric, appealing directly to the American people and championing their interests against powerful elites. This article delves into the striking similarities between their language and that of Trump, suggesting that Trump’s approach, while sometimes perceived as harsh, reflects a deep-rooted American tradition of fighting for freedom and self-determination.
On October 31, 1936, amidst a turbulent time for the nation, FDR addressed a rally at Madison Square Garden, his words echoing a sense of defiance against entrenched power: “The nation knows that I hate war, and I know that the nation hates war.” He further declared, “They {FDR’s opponents} had begun to consider the Government of the United States as a mere appendage to their own affairs. We know now that government by organized money is just as dangerous as government by organized mob.” These words resonate with Trump’s own attacks on the establishment and his promise to fight for the ordinary American against the perceived corruption of powerful interests.
Reagan, initially a Democrat, switched parties after witnessing a shift away from the values he believed in. He, like Trump, saw a disconnect between the needs of the average American and the priorities of the ruling elite. In a 1964 speech, Reagan expressed his disillusionment with the Democratic Party, stating, “This is the issue of this election: Whether we believe in our capacity for self-government or whether we abandon the American revolution and confess that a little intellectual elite in a far-distant capitol can plan our lives for us better than we can plan them ourselves.” This sentiment echoes Trump’s criticisms of a self-serving, bureaucratic government detached from the concerns of everyday citizens.
Reagan’s later career as a Republican president further solidified his image as a champion of American values against perceived threats. In 1980, he addressed the nation, rallying against a perceived decline in American leadership: “The major issue of this campaign is the direct political, personal and moral responsibility of Democratic party leadership-in the White House and in Congress-for this unprecedented calamity which has befallen us. They tell us they have done the most that humanly could be done. They say that the United States has had its day in the sun; that our nation has passed its zenith. They expect you to tell your children that the American people no longer have the will to cope with their problems; that the future will be one of sacrifice and few opportunities.” This passionate plea for renewal, for reclaiming America’s greatness, mirrors the rhetoric of Trump’s ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign.
Trump, like FDR and Reagan, uses strong, direct language. He doesn’t shy away from confrontation, employing language that some might consider harsh. This type of rhetoric is often labeled as fascism by those who disagree with Trump’s policies and messaging. However, those who equate Trump’s language to fascism are either ignorant of history or deliberately misleading. FDR, a staunch opponent of fascism, led America through World War II to defeat Nazi Germany. Reagan, during his presidency, spearheaded the dismantling of the Soviet Union, a communist empire that threatened global freedom. And Trump has been a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party, standing against what he sees as a growing authoritarian threat.
Both FDR and Reagan, like Trump, believed that America’s responsibility extends beyond its borders, to actively promote freedom and democracy around the world. But they also recognized the importance of ensuring American citizens are free in their own land. They understood that true freedom begins at home, with the right to dissent, the power to hold elected officials accountable, and the ability to choose a government that truly represents the interests of the people.
The parallels between Trump’s political style and the approaches of FDR and Reagan are undeniable. Trump’s use of strong language, his focus on fighting for the average American, and his commitment to promoting freedom both domestically and internationally are all echoes of the populist legacy of these historical figures. Those who see fascism in Trump’s rhetoric are missing the historical context, neglecting the fact that strong leaders have, throughout history, used strong language to fight for the rights of the people against the forces of oppression and injustice.
