Throughout history, powerful leaders have shaped nations through their influence, rhetoric, and policies. Some have united people, while others have deepened divisions. Donald Trump’s second term in office has reignited polarization in America, sparking comparisons to fictional worlds that depict power struggles and authoritarian ambitions. One of the most fitting parallels can be found in The Lord of the Rings, where leaders rise and fall, and the fate of Middle-earth depends on the resistance to corruption and control.
Dividing a Nation: Trump’s America vs. Middle-earth
In The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth is fractured, with races and kingdoms at odds. Some resist Sauron’s growing power, while others fall in line, either through fear or a promise of greater status. The political landscape in America under Trump mirrors this division. His administration has dismantled diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs, restructured federal agencies, and issued controversial executive orders that have fueled unrest. His second term has seen mass firings of federal employees, economic uncertainty due to trade wars, and challenges from global allies over his foreign policies.
- Middle-earth’s Division: The Free Peoples (elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits) struggle to unite against the common threat of Sauron. Meanwhile, some humans willingly join his ranks, either through coercion or ambition.
- America’s Division: Trump’s America sees a stark divide between those who view him as a savior of traditional values and those who see him as a dangerous authoritarian. The erosion of democratic norms and legal challenges to his executive actions reflect a country at war with itself.
Trump as Saruman: The Voice of Deception
While some may compare Trump to Sauron, the dark lord pulling the strings, a more fitting comparison is Saruman, the cunning, manipulative wizard who turns against his own kind in pursuit of power.
Saruman begins as a respected leader among the wizards but falls into corruption through his obsession with control. He uses propaganda, misinformation, and fear-mongering to turn people against one another. Under his rule, Isengard becomes an industrialized machine of destruction, much like the chaotic restructuring seen in Trump’s second term.
Saruman’s tactics:
- Uses persuasion and propaganda to sway others to his side.
- Employs Wormtongue to manipulate King Théoden, rendering him ineffective.
- Builds an army (Uruk-hai) designed to destroy traditional ways of life.
Trump’s tactics:
- Uses social media, rallies, and public speeches to control the narrative.
- Dismantles policies aimed at inclusivity, creating a system that caters to a singular vision.
- Fires dissenters and fills positions with loyalists, consolidating power over the government.
Much like Saruman’s downfall, Trump’s actions are leading to increasing resistance, both within the government and among the people. The lawsuits against his executive orders, protests against his policies, and challenges from international allies all suggest a growing opposition to his reign.
The Impact: Followers, Fear, and the Cult of Leadership
Both Saruman and Trump command fiercely loyal followers who believe their leader is the only one who can “fix” a broken system. This loyalty, however, often leads to the suppression of dissent and the demonization of opponents.
- Saruman’s Followers: The Uruk-hai and the men of Rohan who fall under Wormtongue’s influence blindly follow their leader, despite the destruction he brings.
- Trump’s Base: His most ardent supporters refuse to question his actions, even when they conflict with democratic values. Whether it’s through loyalty oaths, rejection of mainstream media, or the insistence that Trump alone can restore America, the parallels to Saruman’s hypnotic grip are undeniable.
The Future: A ‘Scouring of the Shire’?
At the end of The Lord of the Rings, after Sauron’s fall, Saruman travels to the Shire and corrupts it, proving that the remnants of authoritarian rule can linger long after the leader is gone.
If Trump’s second term results in fundamental shifts in governance—weakening checks and balances, purging federal agencies, and reshaping the judiciary—his influence may persist even if he leaves office. Undoing the damage would require a concerted effort, much like the hobbits’ fight to reclaim the Shire.
The question remains: Will America reclaim its democratic traditions, or will it remain under the long shadow of its own Saruman?
Conclusion: A Battle for the Future
The Lord of the Rings teaches us that the greatest threat is not just the villain himself, but the way he manipulates and divides people to serve his own ends. Trump’s second term is shaping up to be a test of American resilience, much like Middle-earth’s fight against corruption and oppression. The battle between control and freedom, unity and division, is one that will define the years to come. The choice, as in Tolkien’s world, rests with those who are willing to resist.
