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Donald Trump’s former chief of staff, retired Gen. John Kelly, reportedly said Trump had a soft spot for despots and autocrats, including Adolf Hitler, according to details from Jim Sciutto's upcoming book, “The Return of Great Powers: Russia, China, and the Next World War.” The Morning Joe panel discusses.
5 times Trump praised authoritarians and dictatorships
Donald Trump’s affinity for authoritarian figures is well established. When he was in the White House, he boasted of his relationships with people like North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But Trump’s latest praise for some of the world’s biggest strongmen and his comment that he wouldn’t be a dictator “except for Day One” has alarmed Trump’s critics, who say they fear the former president would veer even further to the right if re-elected. They point to Trump calling his political enemies “vermin,” a dehumanizing word that echoes fascist dictators such as Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini, and second-term plans being drafted by Trump allies they claim would upend the norms of government.
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Amid Russia's unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, former President Donald Trump has repeatedly praised Russian President Vladimir Putin. CNN’s Chris Cillizza explains Trump’s affinity for authoritarian leaders.
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A malignant narcissist often projects their own faults onto others, accusing them of behaviors they themselves are guilty of. This tactic serves to deflect attention from their own wrongdoings while simultaneously manipulating others into feeling unjustly blamed, thus confessing their own sins through deceptive accusations.
Former President Donald Trump’s relationship with authoritarian leaders has been a topic of significant discussion and debate. His frequent praise for such figures, ranging from Vladimir Putin to Kim Jong-un, has sparked curiosity and concern among both political analysts and the public. To understand why Trump holds these leaders in such high regard, it is essential to explore the pattern of his admiration, the frequency of his praise, and the underlying motivations driving this fondness.
A Pattern of Praise
Trump’s admiration for authoritarian leaders is well-documented. His public praise often seems to revolve around certain key figures who exhibit strong, centralized control and often employ aggressive tactics to maintain power. For instance, Trump has spoken favorably of Russian President Vladimir Putin on multiple occasions. He has called Putin “very strong” and praised his leadership style, even as Putin’s actions, such as the annexation of Crimea and interference in U.S. elections, have drawn international condemnation.
Similarly, Trump has expressed admiration for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. During his presidency, Trump famously referred to Kim as “little rocket man” in one breath and praised him as a “smart” and “talented” leader in the next. This dichotomy highlights Trump’s tendency to balance critique with commendation, often focusing on the personal qualities of these leaders rather than their policies or human rights records.
In addition to Putin and Kim, Trump has also shown admiration for other authoritarian figures, such as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. He has praised Erdoğan for his handling of various issues and maintained a cordial relationship with him despite concerns about democratic backsliding in Turkey.
Frequency of Praise
Throughout his political career, Trump’s praise for authoritarian leaders has been consistent and noteworthy. His admiration for Putin began during the 2016 presidential campaign and continued throughout his presidency. Trump’s statements about Putin were not isolated incidents; they were part of a broader pattern of positive remarks.
During his presidency, Trump’s interactions with Kim Jong-un were particularly emblematic of his approach. The historic summit meetings between the two leaders were characterized by Trump’s unusually warm rhetoric. He frequently downplayed concerns about North Korea’s human rights abuses, instead focusing on his personal rapport with Kim.
The frequency of Trump’s praise for these leaders often coincided with diplomatic or political contexts. For example, his positive comments about Erdoğan came during times of U.S.-Turkey negotiations. This pattern suggests that Trump’s praise is not merely a reflection of personal admiration but also a strategic tool in diplomatic relations.
Underlying Motivations
Several factors may explain Trump’s fondness for authoritarian leaders. One possible explanation is a shared disdain for the political establishment and mainstream media. Authoritarians often challenge and criticize the same institutions Trump himself has targeted, creating a sense of camaraderie.
Additionally, Trump’s admiration for strong, decisive leadership aligns with his own self-image. He often promotes a narrative of strength and dominance, and praising leaders who exhibit these traits reinforces his own political persona. This admiration also serves to position Trump as a pragmatic realist who values effectiveness over traditional democratic norms.
Another possible factor is the allure of strongman politics. Authoritarian leaders often project an image of unyielding strength and control, which can be appealing to individuals who prioritize stability and assertiveness. For Trump, who has often championed a similar brand of leadership, this appeal is particularly resonant.
Conclusion
Donald Trump’s praise for authoritarian leaders is a multifaceted phenomenon that reflects both his personal inclinations and strategic considerations. His repeated admiration for figures like Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong-un, and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan highlights a pattern driven by shared values, personal image, and diplomatic strategy. Understanding this pattern provides insight into Trump’s political worldview and the complexities of his international relationships.
TRUMP, THE
OLDEST NOMINEE
FOR PRESIDENT IN
U.S. HISTORY
with 34 convictions
June 14, 1946
(age 78 years)
and
THE ONLY REASON
HE'S RUNNING FOR
OFFICE IS TO
STAY OUT OF PRISON
