Is Donald Trump the Modern-day Don Quixote? A Reinterpretation

There is a prevailing view that sees former US President Donald Trump as a modern-day Don Quixote. This perception is based on his frequent, often impractical, and at times contradictory statements. However, is this characterization accurate? While it is tempting to apply the term quixotic to Trump, it may not fully encapsulate his essence. In this article, we delve into the comparison and explore whether Trump truly embodies the spirit of Don Quixote.

Trump's Allegorization of Windmills

One instance that epitomizes the comparison between Trump and Don Quixote is his talking points about windmills. When discussing Scotland's decision to adopt wind turbines, Trump predicted dire consequences, much like Don Quixote perceived the challenges of his chivalric quests.

“Windmills are so unattractive, so ugly, so noisy, and so dangerous that if Scotland does this I think that it will be in serious trouble. I think that you will lose your tourism industry to Ireland and lots of other places that are laughing at what Scotland is doing.”

Trump seemed to believe that the construction of wind turbines would cause widespread damage, echoing Don Quixote's seemingly misguided and impractical ideals.

The Tasmanian Devil Analogy

However, the zest and fervor with which Trump discusses his ideas, along with his penchant for making impromptu statements, might be more accurately described by the character of the Tasmanian Devil from Looney Tunes animations. The Tasmanian Devil is known for its constant, unpredictable, and sometimes erratic behavior, which aligns more closely with Trump's irascible nature.

“No no no no and …NO!!”

This quote from Trump aptly describes his reaction to criticism or perceived opposition. The Tasmanian Devil's unbridled energy and refusal to back down might be a better fit when thinking about Trump’s unapologetic nature and his tendency to rally his supporters and recalibrate his stance immediately.

The True Character of Don Quixote

When scrutinizing the term quixotic, it becomes clear that it does not fully capture the essence of Don Quixote. The dictionary definition provided by Merriam-Webster describes someone who is 'foolishly impractical' or 'rash' in the pursuit of ideals. These definitions, while applicable to both Don Quixote and Trump in certain contexts, do not encompass the complete portrayal of Don Quixote's chivalric spirit and unwavering conviction in his beliefs.

Definition of quixotic: 1. foolishly impractical, especially in the pursuit of ideals 2. capricious, unpredictable

While Don Quixote was indeed capricious and sometimes unpredictable to those who did not understand him, his core beliefs and actions were driven by an unwavering sense of justice and a commitment to righting wrongs. In contrast, Trump’s unpredictability is rooted in his ability to shift opinions and goals based on his immediate convenience and public perception.

Trump's Reality Distortion Field

Another distinguishing feature of Don Quixote is his persistent belief in an alternate reality. In a way, Don Quixote lived in a world where the windmills were giants, and he was a hero. Trump, similarly, often creates his own reality, shifting the narrative and presenting himself as the solution to all problems. This consistent inconsistency is a hallmark of his leadership style and rhetoric.

“Reality for him is whatever he makes up in the moment or is convenient today.”

Trump’s ability to adapt his beliefs and actions to fit the moment is a significant departure from the stoic and principled character of Don Quixote. Instead of living in an alternate reality, Trump thrives on the idea that he can create a reality that suits his goals and the needs of his supporters.

Final Reflections on the Comparison

While the comparison between Trump and Don Quixote has its merits, it may be more accurate to view Trump as the modern-day equivalent of the Tasmanian Devil. This characterization better captures the unpredictability and energetic fervor of his leadership. Drawing from Don Quixote's ideals and the spirit of a noble quest, the comparison to the Labrador of chivalry is perhaps outdated and insufficient to fully capture the essence of Trump's political and personal trajectory.

Ultimately, the reality of Donald Trump cannot be fully encapsulated by the label of a quixotic protagonist. It is a mix of unpredictable behavior, a disregard for reality, and a relentless pursuit of self-interest—much like the character of the Tasmanian Devil. His antics and rhetoric challenge how we view leadership, but they also underscore the importance of understanding and analyzing his actions based on their immediate context rather than assigning him a fixed character.