Understanding the Unconventional Worldview of Donald Trump Towards Autocratic Leaders
Former senior advisors to President Donald Trump have shared alarming insights with News Finder about his admiration for autocratic leaders such as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, Chinese President Xi Jinping, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and even Adolf Hitler. These revelations raise concerns about how a second term for Trump could potentially reverse decades of US foreign policy.
Gen. John Kelly, who served as Trump’s chief of staff, spoke candidly about the President’s perspective towards these leaders. He explained that Trump believed NATO was pushing these leaders into corners, and he admired their power and control.
Trump’s praise for Orbán is evident as he recently described him as “fantastic,” “smart,” and a “great leader.” This stance is concerning given the contact Union’s concerns over Orbán’s authoritarian tendencies.
Former National Security Advisor John Bolton shares that Trump admired Putin and viewed him as an “OK guy.” In the 2018 NATO summit, following tense encounters with other leaders, Trump reportedly expressed that his meeting with Putin might be the easiest due to their shared ‘big guy’ status.
Trump’s admiration for Hitler went beyond the German leader’s economic policies. He reportedly expressed envy towards Hitler’s ability to maintain the loyalty of his senior staff, as opposed to Trump’s own experience with staff loyalty.
When asked about these allegations, the Trump campaign responded by accusing Kelly and Bolton of suffering from “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” However, their testimonies offer valuable insights into the root of Trump’s admiration for these leaders – a longing for absolute power.
Trump’s former advisors warn that his affinity for autocratic leaders is concerning, particularly when considering the potential Great Power clashes on the horizon. They believe Trump’s vision of himself as a powerful leader could lead to significant changes in US foreign policy, including potentially withdrawing from NATO and reducing US commitments to defense alliances.
As the 2024 election approaches, understanding Trump’s unconventional perspective towards autocratic leaders is crucial for assessing his potential impact on US foreign policy should he win another term.
