In 1989, Donald Trump took out ads in major media outlets calling for the death penalty to be reinstated in New York State after five Black and Latino teenagers were accused of raping a jogger in Central Park. Despite the men’s convictions being vacated in 2002, Trump refuses to acknowledge their innocence. One of the men, Yusef Salaam, is now a member of the New York City Council and spoke out against Trump, advocating for the presumption of innocence and a fair trial. Trump’s behavior in this case showcases his lack of remorse and vanity.
Trump’s success outside of New York can be attributed, in part, to his inferiority complex, which the city itself does not possess. He often plays the victim, projecting his own anxieties onto his loyal followers. During his indictment in Georgia, he told his supporters that the authorities were coming after them, not just him. This tactic of creating a sense of unity with his followers through shared victimhood has been effective in garnering support. Trump’s fear of being laughed at was evident during the White House Correspondents Dinner in 2011, where he was visibly upset at being the target of jokes, further solidifying his belief that elites were sneering at him.
Trump’s behavior mirrors that of Richard Nixon, who also felt a sense of being put upon by the elites. Nixon, according to his former aide Tom Charles Huston, had a strong gut feeling for when middle-class people felt they were being mistreated, as he believed he had been. This sense of shared victimhood with the common people helped Trump connect with his followers and build a sense of camaraderie. Trump’s us-against-them mentality has been successful in creating a strong base of loyal supporters who feel that they are fighting against a common enemy.
Despite his success, Trump has faced legal challenges in recent years, including his arrest in 2023. This has brought to light his controversial past actions, such as his behavior towards the Central Park Five. The tide seems to be turning against him, with more scrutiny being applied to his actions and statements. The ad taken out by Salaam, calling for a fair trial and presumption of innocence, highlights the impact of Trump’s past actions on those affected by them.
Trump’s refusal to acknowledge his mistakes and apologize for his past actions has contributed to his downfall. As more information comes to light about his questionable behavior, his loyal followers may begin to question their support for him. His insistence on playing the victim and projecting his own anxieties onto others has alienated some and may lead to further scrutiny of his actions in the future. While Trump’s legacy may be tarnished by his past behavior, his impact on American politics and society is likely to be long-lasting.
