Introduction
The journey from a hated businessman to a divisive President is no small feat, and Donald Trump's ascent is a testament to his unpredictability. From the 1980s and 1990s to his eventual presidential run, Trump's character has evolved, and with it, the opinions and thoughts of those around him have been shaped in profound ways.
Early Impressions: Greedy and Egotistical
Long before he entered the political arena, Donald Trump was perceived in the 1980s and 1990s as a greedy and egotistical figure. This reputation was cemented by reports of his declining businesses and multiple bankruptcies. As someone who was not closely following celebrity culture or politics, my early impressions of him stemmed from fragmented news and personal observations of his family's lavish lifestyle.
One particular instance that solidified my disdain for him was witnessing the destruction of Bonwit Teller, a store I admired. The signing of the lease for the new structure was fraught with scandal, as Trump used his political connections to secure a favorable deal. This experience was a turning point for me, deepening my loathing towards Trump and his business tactics.
Climbing into Politics: From Race-Baiting to Sexual Deviance
Upon Trump's introduction to the presidential race, my perception of him transformed. No longer just a despised businessman, he became a figure despised for his political tactics. He was accused of being a race-baiting moron, and as a candidate, he indulged in baseless smear campaigns and unverified allegations, most notably claiming to understand the fundamentals of administration and economics.
Furthermore, my perception of him as a sexual deviant and lip reader ("bigly") was confirmed by the 'Access Hollywood' tape where he boasted about his misconduct. This scandal, combined with his unsuccessful financial ventures and significant legal troubles, highlighted the extent of his deceitful behavior.
Campaign Entrepreneurs: From Screwed to Cynical
The campaign trail proved to be a spectacle of scandal and deceit. In addition to the 'Access Hollywood' tape, Trump's handling of his business ventures and charitable work revealed a pattern of unethical behavior. For instance, his 'Trump University' was a Ponzi scheme, and his charities were revealed to be less about charitable work and more about personal gain, with competition from other AGs influencing the investigation into Trump University.
His tax returns, where he claimed to be clever with tax loopholes, were non-existent. Moreover, he consistently refused to release his returns, frustrating the public and his critics alike. His lack of transparency has only deepened the mistrust he has fostered over the years.
A Desperate and Divisive President
Once elected, Trump's presidency has been a stunning display of incompetence, division, and chaos. His behavior as a leader has been nothing short of a travesty, characterized by petty vindictiveness, extreme nationalism, and questionable policies. Even more perplexing is the level of support he continues to receive, which can only be attributed to gullible delusion and a cult-like following.
Trump's attempts to "drain the swamp" have only led to a cesspool of corruption and misinformation. The result is a markedly different and alarming America, paving the way for a potential authoritarian figure who is both unqualified and misaligned with fundamental democratic values.
Conclusion
From a greedy egotist to a divisive and despised President, Donald Trump's journey has been nothing short of a scandalous one. His personal and professional life is a complex tapestry of deceit, manipulation, and misalignment with the values of the American people. Whether one views him as a conqueror or a menace, his legacy will continue to be scrutinized and debated for years to come.