From the very start of his political career, Donald Trump— now, once again, U.S. president—has sought to portray himself as a populist outsider, standing apart from the establishment, battling the “deep state,” and challenging the entrenched two-party system in American politics. However, a closer examination reveals that Trump is not an outsider but rather a product of the same system, benefiting from it while theatrically opposing it. This duality between his rhetoric and reality not only highlights the internal contradictions of Trumpism but also exposes a deeper systemic crisis within American democracy.
To truly understand Trump’s rise to power, it must be viewed within the broader context of systemic crises threatening American democracy. Decades of neoliberal policies have eroded the middle class, weakened labor unions, and concentrated wealth and power in the hands of a few. Simultaneously, the American two-party system has morphed into party cartels, barring outsiders from entry. The cost of participating in elections has soared to the extent that only those backed by significant financial and power structures stand a chance.
Trump, in reality, is not the embodiment of a self-made man but a symbol of the nexus of wealth, media, networks, and privileges that define America’s ruling elites. Born into an affluent family, inheriting massive wealth, and engaging in questionable and often unproductive economic activities like casino operations, Trump exemplifies economic inequality rather than its eradication. His claim of being an outsider conveniently masks the systemic advantages he enjoys, from exploiting tax loopholes to leveraging political connections—privileges unavailable to the average citizen.
Moreover, Trump’s emergence as a media personality owes much to the same media ecosystem he criticizes. Reality TV shows, sensationalist journalism, and the constant buzz of controversy all shaped his image as an outspoken and audacious figure. Far from being a testament to his populism, this media spectacle reflects the commodification of politics, with his personality being marketed over the years as a brand.
Trump’s presidency further exposed the hollowness of his alleged opposition to the system. While he railed against globalization, his cabinet was packed with lobbyists, billionaires, and corporate executives. Policies like the 2017 tax cuts disproportionately benefited the wealthy elite, exacerbating wealth and income inequality. Similarly, his deregulation agenda prioritized corporate interests over workers’ rights and environmental protections.
Even his attacks on the so-called deep state were selective and self-serving. Trump’s criticisms of bureaucrats and intelligence agencies often coincided with their investigations into his conduct, undermining his credibility. He showed no hesitation in using heavy-handed measures to suppress protests during his tenure, labeling dissenters as fascists or foreign agents rather than engaging in dialogue. His supposed anti-establishment stance was more about consolidating personal power than addressing structural inequalities.
Ultimately, Trump’s rise to power is a symptom of the systemic dysfunction within the American system rather than a remedy for it. His populist rhetoric targeted those left behind by globalization and technological changes, but his solutions—such as immigration bans, trade wars, and nationalist rhetoric—sought to obscure inherent structural inequalities rather than resolve them.
Trump’s actions and policies are less a reflection of his individuality and more a symptom of broader anti-democratic trends within the U.S. system. Structural flaws, such as the Electoral College, gerrymandering, and media manipulation have weakened the principle of majority rule. Trump exploited these structural flaws rather than creating them. In truth, Trump represents an America in crisis—a nation struggling with deep internal wounds, but one that attempts to mask its failings with superficial facades.
Trump is not just a part of the system; he is a product of it, a reflection of it, and a force that reinforces it. Far from being its antagonist, Trump is an integral component of the very system he pretends to challenge.
