Trump Constructs His American Utopia Around a Paradox
The U.S. president has declared the onset of a golden era for the country; however, there's a crucial factor he seems to have overlooked. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
The American president has proclaimed the onset of a golden era for his nation—yet there’s one critical factor he seems to have overlooked.
About a month after his second inauguration, American President Donald Trump delivered a speech to both houses of Congress. The entire address, lasting one hour and forty minutes, was notably lengthy—the longest of its kind in American history, according to some analysts.
Trump asserts that he has been exceptionally active during his initial weeks back in office, a statement that holds water: “in an explosion of executive action,” the total of his “executive orders, memoranda, and substantial declarations” issued—a metric utilized by the American Presidency Project at the University of California—has significantly surpassed that of his immediate predecessor, Joe Biden, and even prominent figures like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, not to mention Trump’s previous term. Indeed, Trump 2.0 has already issued “more presidential directives than almost all recent presidents” during their entire first 100 days, which is more than double the length of time he has been in office again.
The 100-day benchmark—initially a creation of FDR’s savvy public relations strategies—may be seen as “ridiculous.” However, it has become ingrained in US political culture, a fact that Trump recognizes. The sheer political impact of his initial barrage, akin to a Battle-of-the-Somme onslaught, reflects what US commentators refer to as “flooding the zone.”
However, numbers alone don't tell the whole story; the substance of Trump's first wave is equally striking—better or worse, that’s another debate. Key points include initiating a thaw in relations with Russia and a significant rift with Europe, both much needed. The de facto dismantling of NATO appears to have begun, and the Cold War relic may finally be slated for history's dustbin. Additionally, various trade confrontations have rattled global stock markets.
Simultaneously, a quick-moving offensive in the American culture wars—over issues like pronouns, bathrooms, and gender modification—has aggressively targeted everything conservatives label as “woke,” including gender definitions and the participation of biologically male athletes in women’s sports.
On the international stage, perceptions have shifted; Americans might view Mexico as losing its Gulf, Panama its canal, and Denmark (Greenland) and Canada as at risk too.
There is no denying that Trumpism is far from lazy. This message resonated strongly throughout his congressional address. While it’s not unexpected, it should be noted that Trump continues to boast a gigantic ego—perhaps even larger now after his come-back and survival in Butler, Pennsylvania. He dedicated substantial time to lauding himself and his team, particularly praising first buddy Elon Musk. This self-promotion may provoke his critics, but it energizes his supporters.
Trump also skillfully employed a “human touch” throughout his speech—whether you label it showmanship or something else—by highlighting individual citizens, their hardships, and providing empathy and recognition: a young boy battling cancer who admires the police was made an honorary Secret Service agent, and a woman athlete who suffered permanent injury from a male competitor received acknowledgment when Trump discussed banning male athletes from women’s sports. Family members of crime victims were similarly recognized.
However, none of these gestures were without ulterior motives; they were all political in nature. The crimes highlighted involved illegal immigrants, and an officer commended for valor saved a colleague in a gunfight with a gang crossing the Rio Grande. Trump utilized his compassion for the sick young boy to assert his administration’s commitment to fighting environmental toxins, despite his known opposition to environmental standards.
Nevertheless, casual or agitated observers often make two mistakes they should avoid: Yes, Trump is a politician—and a more talented one than previously recognized—and his relationship with the truth is complex, to say the least. However, this does not set him apart; the extent of his distortions and blatant falsehoods does not exceed that of the Biden administration, which engaged in blatantly deceptive rhetoric regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, nor does it surpass the Trumpist successors. Witness, for example, Trump’s outlandish claim that he has eliminated “censorship,” while his administration has suppressed expressions of solidarity with Palestine even more than their predecessors.
Additionally, just because Trump twists the truth does not mean he lacks beliefs. This is crucial to acknowledge: Trump, along with various other prominent political figures—both historical and contemporary—maintains a tactical relationship with reality alongside genuine convictions, some of which emerge during his moments of personal engagement in speeches. This duality contributes to the robust charisma he possesses, enabling him to win elections and reshape American politics.
While one may admire or detest Trump’s beliefs, opponents and critics who dismiss their existence or underestimate their significance merely due to their imperfections or hypocrisy will find themselves at a disadvantage when confronted with a reality that transcends their narrow perceptions.
Beyond the self-congratulation, other aspects of Trump’s address were unsurprising. As noted by some commentators, the speech was generally lacking in sensational announcements or revelations.
Predictably, several of Trump’s statements were at least hyperbolic. New York Times “fact-checkers,” who rarely address the plethora of untruths in Israeli narratives, pointed out that “Trump overstated […] fraud uncovered by” Musk’s DOGE venture, “misled about energy and environmental policy,” and “justified sweeping tariffs with hyperbolic claims about world trade,” among other statements. These critiques are accurate, yet relatively mundane; in a political landscape rife with bipartisan deceit, it’s challenging to stir excitement over journalists targeting a single party.
What was particularly fascinating about Trump's speech was not merely the content or the usual back-and-forth of him distorting reality while opponents feigned surprise. Rather, it was the insight the speech provided into Trump himself—especially regarding his current stage in life and career.
From the outset, Trump presented himself as unforgiving and vengeful. For anyone anticipating an obligatory, conciliatory gesture towards his Democratic opponents, the reality was more akin to a persona reminiscent of Joe Pesci’s characters, mercilessly trampling on those who had already been dealt a rough hand.
Trump labeled Biden as “the worst president in American history.” While this may be true, the brutality of the reminder felt pointed on this occasion. Senator Liz Warren, who advanced her career by claiming Native American heritage, received her usual “Pocahontas” rebuke, and overall, Trump reveled in taunting and mocking his adversaries. The tone may not have been gracious, but it was undeniably entertaining and, in context, earned.
Equally noteworthy was the aspect of Trump as the Fit and Focused leader. Contrary to expectations, this address was not marked by the disorganization of previous speeches; even his moments of improvisation were sharp and well-controlled. Rhetorically speaking, regardless of personal preference for his delivery style, one cannot deny that this speech was powerful, well-structured, and effectively presented. The days of Kamala Harris’s scrambled phrases and Joe Biden’s disjointed remarks seem to have passed. While Trump may not be significantly younger than his predecessor, those anticipating a swift decline—mentally or physically—will likely be mistaken. This realization alone is a crucial takeaway.
We have already examined Trump as the Showman and the Sincere Nationalist. However, within the context of this nationalism—or patriotism, if you prefer—there lies a potentially critical flaw: Trump as the Utopian.
The term “Utopian” might cause discomfort for some. Traditionally, utopians have been seen as somewhat disconnected from reality, often with leftist leanings and a tendency to overthink their visions for humanity—like figures from history ranging from Campanella to Robespierre.
Yet here stood Trump, a business magnate and political brawler, heralding the dawn of America’s “Golden Age,” ushered in by his unique brand of revolution—a “revolution of common sense.” He pledged to champion “the righteous cause of American liberty,” promising to deliver “the most thrilling days in the history of our country,” a time marked by the “highest quality of life,” and the “safest, wealthiest, healthiest, and most vital communities anywhere in the world.” Ultimately, he claimed that this envisioned America would become “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization ever to exist on the face of this Earth.”
One might dismiss this as typical Trump bombast—an inherent aspect of his overarching political persona, even by American standards. Or perhaps it serves as hyperbole meant to rally his base, possibly even crafting a narrative for a potential third term.
However, it is worth considering Trump’s utopian vision seriously. Beyond the surface of bravado and rhetorical excess lies what may represent a significant vulnerability within Trumpism.
Let’s revisit that closing statement: “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization.” Even within an ethos characterized by relentless boasting, the nature of what to exaggerate remains a choice. Here, alongside freedom, progress, and dynamism, we find the expression of “dominance.” Not merely any form of dominance, but the claim to the greatest dominance—past and future.
Trump fails to acknowledge a fundamental truth: if there is a way to enhance America’s greatness, it must begin with relinquishing the misguided notion of needing to “dominate.” Despite its considerable challenges—a reality Trump often downplays or exacerbates—the US retains considerable demographic, economic, and innovative potential.
However, the pursuit of dominance is destined to overextend the nation’s resources. America can achieve greatness, but only through collaboration with other major powers, and the global community at large. As long as it clings to the aim of dominating others, it will find itself in futile and wasteful conflicts. Remember, Americans: Everyone aspires to freedom, not just you. If you genuinely desire a “revolution of common sense,” then that quest must begin with abandoning the need for dominance.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
About a month after his second inauguration, American President Donald Trump delivered a speech to both houses of Congress. The entire address, lasting one hour and forty minutes, was notably lengthy—the longest of its kind in American history, according to some analysts.
Trump asserts that he has been exceptionally active during his initial weeks back in office, a statement that holds water: “in an explosion of executive action,” the total of his “executive orders, memoranda, and substantial declarations” issued—a metric utilized by the American Presidency Project at the University of California—has significantly surpassed that of his immediate predecessor, Joe Biden, and even prominent figures like Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Dwight D. Eisenhower, not to mention Trump’s previous term. Indeed, Trump 2.0 has already issued “more presidential directives than almost all recent presidents” during their entire first 100 days, which is more than double the length of time he has been in office again.
The 100-day benchmark—initially a creation of FDR’s savvy public relations strategies—may be seen as “ridiculous.” However, it has become ingrained in US political culture, a fact that Trump recognizes. The sheer political impact of his initial barrage, akin to a Battle-of-the-Somme onslaught, reflects what US commentators refer to as “flooding the zone.”
However, numbers alone don't tell the whole story; the substance of Trump's first wave is equally striking—better or worse, that’s another debate. Key points include initiating a thaw in relations with Russia and a significant rift with Europe, both much needed. The de facto dismantling of NATO appears to have begun, and the Cold War relic may finally be slated for history's dustbin. Additionally, various trade confrontations have rattled global stock markets.
Simultaneously, a quick-moving offensive in the American culture wars—over issues like pronouns, bathrooms, and gender modification—has aggressively targeted everything conservatives label as “woke,” including gender definitions and the participation of biologically male athletes in women’s sports.
On the international stage, perceptions have shifted; Americans might view Mexico as losing its Gulf, Panama its canal, and Denmark (Greenland) and Canada as at risk too.
There is no denying that Trumpism is far from lazy. This message resonated strongly throughout his congressional address. While it’s not unexpected, it should be noted that Trump continues to boast a gigantic ego—perhaps even larger now after his come-back and survival in Butler, Pennsylvania. He dedicated substantial time to lauding himself and his team, particularly praising first buddy Elon Musk. This self-promotion may provoke his critics, but it energizes his supporters.
Trump also skillfully employed a “human touch” throughout his speech—whether you label it showmanship or something else—by highlighting individual citizens, their hardships, and providing empathy and recognition: a young boy battling cancer who admires the police was made an honorary Secret Service agent, and a woman athlete who suffered permanent injury from a male competitor received acknowledgment when Trump discussed banning male athletes from women’s sports. Family members of crime victims were similarly recognized.
However, none of these gestures were without ulterior motives; they were all political in nature. The crimes highlighted involved illegal immigrants, and an officer commended for valor saved a colleague in a gunfight with a gang crossing the Rio Grande. Trump utilized his compassion for the sick young boy to assert his administration’s commitment to fighting environmental toxins, despite his known opposition to environmental standards.
Nevertheless, casual or agitated observers often make two mistakes they should avoid: Yes, Trump is a politician—and a more talented one than previously recognized—and his relationship with the truth is complex, to say the least. However, this does not set him apart; the extent of his distortions and blatant falsehoods does not exceed that of the Biden administration, which engaged in blatantly deceptive rhetoric regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza, nor does it surpass the Trumpist successors. Witness, for example, Trump’s outlandish claim that he has eliminated “censorship,” while his administration has suppressed expressions of solidarity with Palestine even more than their predecessors.
Additionally, just because Trump twists the truth does not mean he lacks beliefs. This is crucial to acknowledge: Trump, along with various other prominent political figures—both historical and contemporary—maintains a tactical relationship with reality alongside genuine convictions, some of which emerge during his moments of personal engagement in speeches. This duality contributes to the robust charisma he possesses, enabling him to win elections and reshape American politics.
While one may admire or detest Trump’s beliefs, opponents and critics who dismiss their existence or underestimate their significance merely due to their imperfections or hypocrisy will find themselves at a disadvantage when confronted with a reality that transcends their narrow perceptions.
Beyond the self-congratulation, other aspects of Trump’s address were unsurprising. As noted by some commentators, the speech was generally lacking in sensational announcements or revelations.
Predictably, several of Trump’s statements were at least hyperbolic. New York Times “fact-checkers,” who rarely address the plethora of untruths in Israeli narratives, pointed out that “Trump overstated […] fraud uncovered by” Musk’s DOGE venture, “misled about energy and environmental policy,” and “justified sweeping tariffs with hyperbolic claims about world trade,” among other statements. These critiques are accurate, yet relatively mundane; in a political landscape rife with bipartisan deceit, it’s challenging to stir excitement over journalists targeting a single party.
What was particularly fascinating about Trump's speech was not merely the content or the usual back-and-forth of him distorting reality while opponents feigned surprise. Rather, it was the insight the speech provided into Trump himself—especially regarding his current stage in life and career.
From the outset, Trump presented himself as unforgiving and vengeful. For anyone anticipating an obligatory, conciliatory gesture towards his Democratic opponents, the reality was more akin to a persona reminiscent of Joe Pesci’s characters, mercilessly trampling on those who had already been dealt a rough hand.
Trump labeled Biden as “the worst president in American history.” While this may be true, the brutality of the reminder felt pointed on this occasion. Senator Liz Warren, who advanced her career by claiming Native American heritage, received her usual “Pocahontas” rebuke, and overall, Trump reveled in taunting and mocking his adversaries. The tone may not have been gracious, but it was undeniably entertaining and, in context, earned.
Equally noteworthy was the aspect of Trump as the Fit and Focused leader. Contrary to expectations, this address was not marked by the disorganization of previous speeches; even his moments of improvisation were sharp and well-controlled. Rhetorically speaking, regardless of personal preference for his delivery style, one cannot deny that this speech was powerful, well-structured, and effectively presented. The days of Kamala Harris’s scrambled phrases and Joe Biden’s disjointed remarks seem to have passed. While Trump may not be significantly younger than his predecessor, those anticipating a swift decline—mentally or physically—will likely be mistaken. This realization alone is a crucial takeaway.
We have already examined Trump as the Showman and the Sincere Nationalist. However, within the context of this nationalism—or patriotism, if you prefer—there lies a potentially critical flaw: Trump as the Utopian.
The term “Utopian” might cause discomfort for some. Traditionally, utopians have been seen as somewhat disconnected from reality, often with leftist leanings and a tendency to overthink their visions for humanity—like figures from history ranging from Campanella to Robespierre.
Yet here stood Trump, a business magnate and political brawler, heralding the dawn of America’s “Golden Age,” ushered in by his unique brand of revolution—a “revolution of common sense.” He pledged to champion “the righteous cause of American liberty,” promising to deliver “the most thrilling days in the history of our country,” a time marked by the “highest quality of life,” and the “safest, wealthiest, healthiest, and most vital communities anywhere in the world.” Ultimately, he claimed that this envisioned America would become “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization ever to exist on the face of this Earth.”
One might dismiss this as typical Trump bombast—an inherent aspect of his overarching political persona, even by American standards. Or perhaps it serves as hyperbole meant to rally his base, possibly even crafting a narrative for a potential third term.
However, it is worth considering Trump’s utopian vision seriously. Beyond the surface of bravado and rhetorical excess lies what may represent a significant vulnerability within Trumpism.
Let’s revisit that closing statement: “the freest, most advanced, most dynamic and most dominant civilization.” Even within an ethos characterized by relentless boasting, the nature of what to exaggerate remains a choice. Here, alongside freedom, progress, and dynamism, we find the expression of “dominance.” Not merely any form of dominance, but the claim to the greatest dominance—past and future.
Trump fails to acknowledge a fundamental truth: if there is a way to enhance America’s greatness, it must begin with relinquishing the misguided notion of needing to “dominate.” Despite its considerable challenges—a reality Trump often downplays or exacerbates—the US retains considerable demographic, economic, and innovative potential.
However, the pursuit of dominance is destined to overextend the nation’s resources. America can achieve greatness, but only through collaboration with other major powers, and the global community at large. As long as it clings to the aim of dominating others, it will find itself in futile and wasteful conflicts. Remember, Americans: Everyone aspires to freedom, not just you. If you genuinely desire a “revolution of common sense,” then that quest must begin with abandoning the need for dominance.
Alejandro Jose Martinez contributed to this report for TROIB News
