Stew Bolno: Trump’s antagonists

Before citizen Donald Trump decided to run for President, he was perceived as a good guy: rich, funny, and down to earth. Yeah, he was known to have an outsized ego. Sure, he seemed to care a great deal about his image. But it’s obvious his presence in New York City was significant and helpful to a metropolis making a comeback; it did.

Television casting directors and Hollywood producers featured him, playing himself, in Prince of LA and Home Alone 2. Additionally, for fourteen seasons he was the star of the TV show “The Apprentice”. This signifies people across America were watching in large numbers and returned to the tube on a weekly basis. They marveled at his smarts in fixing Wollman Skating Rink early and under budget after years of failed attempts by the government bureaucrats of New York City. He was invited for television interviews by Oprah Winfrey, Jay Leno, and Conan O’Brian among others. 

As a first-time candidate, he was sneered at as an outsider from the moment he descended the “Golden Staircase” in the Trump Tower. A few months later, he appeared on the Republican debate stage without fear or false respect for the status quo or his political competitors. 

They shouldn’t have been caught unprepared. After all, he was a known commodity for decades. He created and curated his image over thirty-five years, as a very public figure. Long-term politicians are, generally, skillful at the art of diplomacy and diversion; they are generally less effective standing up to people who are confrontational and candid. He even went on Jimmy Fallon’s late-night show, less than two months before being elected President, and let him tug at his hair on national television; a perfect blend of humor and self-deprecation. No wonder so many in politics wanted him to disappear.

Trump’s victory in 2016 stunned the political world, embarrassed the pollsters, upset the huge anti-Trump press, and thwarted the passing of the progressive baton from Barack Obama to Hillary Clinton. The Trumpster may have emerged victorious from that election, but his win raised the ire and stiffened the backs of “The Establishment”, of both parties. His substantial rout of Kamala Harris in 2024 dramatically unsettled those who initiated and supported attempts to sue, bankrupt, and imprison their strong opponent.

At present there are three core groups of anti-Trumpers: 

The Political Establishment

Washington D.C. insiders detest Donald Trump because he continues to stand up to them, break existing codes, and meet his stated objectives. After all, if he was failing, the main visible tactic they’d exhibit would be mockery not revulsion. That’s what they did to impact opinions about Gerald Ford and both George Bush’s, father and son. Trump introduced the mantra of “America First”. This means he’s above pleasing weak-kneed politicians in the Republican party and being pliant with Democrats. He has a customer-focused perspective honed from decades of being a thoughtful executive, marketer and showman. 

Like any skillful leader, he is guided by what he perceives will yield the most beneficial impact for his “customers” (read voters). He understands the importance of succession planning and has appointed a cabinet of people whose average age is significantly lower than that of his predecessors. These loyalists will gain experience, visibility, and professional skills at a relatively young age. They are becoming known to the public and will be well prepared to carry on the Trump Tradition in the future. 

The Media Establishment and the Press 

From the moment he announced his candidacy the media giants have reported on Trump with a bias comparable to how Abraham Lincoln was viewed, by those who published within Confederate States, during the Civil War. According to the Media Research Center, in the second term 92 percent of articles provided negative coverage of ‘47 during his first one-hundred days. The same report revealed 59 percent  of articles covering Joe Biden were positive during his term as president. 

Trump has always been fearless about engaging with the press. No president, or any world politician, has exceeded his model of, so clearly, specifying his goals and communicating with the public. Only leaders with high confidence levels, clear ideals, and a willingness to speak candidly act in this manner. Most hide behind tradition, position, and the curtain of secrecy. 

The “Progressives” of The Left 

Trump was able to sever the DEI culture in government, business, educational institutions, and the military with one swift stroke. Although discriminatory behavior was deeply established within these institutions, the ability to eviscerate the practice revealed the roots could not withstand the pressure of objectivity. The American voter seems to prefer quality outcomes over the bias of “equity” based apportionment. 

Illegal immigration issues, males in female sports, transgender lobbyists preferences, voter ID, and deportation of violent criminals appear to be items that drive the Liberal Left into the streets. They protest the invisible threat of “No Kings” while attempting to persuade the public that low end of 80/20 issues will serve them better. Rather than probe themselves and accept reality the protesters have increased their frequency, loudness, and violence against reasonableness and common sense. To the TV viewer, it’s not a good look.

Since 1976, virtually all Republican candidates for President had temperaments that communicated they were reluctant warriors. The Democrats have, generally, been more willing to take the side of the aggressor. That seems right if we consider the comparisons between those who wish to maintain a traditionalist bent and those who are more interested in dramatically challenging “the system”. The uniqueness of Donald Trump as Republican, candidate, and President is that he is a change agent with deep respect for our governmental system. He relishes challenging the biases of “Progressives”. He is willing to meet his opposition in the arena and work inside the rules, but he’s no pushover. 

Donald Trump is a serious guy, twice elected to a very serious position. He’s an American leader, not a European man. He’s a capitalist, not a socialist or communist. He’s President of the United States and. increasingly, the “leader of the free world”. 

It’s no wonder those with a Leftist dream detest the priorities, personality, patriotism, and decisions of Donald Trump. He’s the main obstacle blocking the path to their utopian destination. 

Stew Bolno is a chronological peer of Donald Trump. He’s been a student, college professor, and consultant on leadership during his 50-year career. He’s followed politics longer than that time. His recent book is “Leadership Lessons And You: From A to Z – featuring Donald Trump” and he’s written scores of essays about him since he descended the Trump Tower staircase. Read more at LeadershipLessonsAndYou.com.