The Black Lives Protests protests in the USA showed that Donald Trump is no 'Man for all Seasons'.
One thing I found surprising while watching Mrs Thatcher's fall from power was how little she was able to change her approach to suit changed circumstances. Now it seems that the same is true of Donald Trump. Ever since his decision to seek the Republican Party's presidential nomination Trump has succeeded by doubling down, abusing his declared opponents, bribing or intimidating the others, and rallying his base. In 2016 this was enough to see off Jeb Bush, Hilary Clinton and numerous other august members of America's political elite. But then, in the middle of 2020, with his re-election, the goal of Trump's entire presidency, almost within sight, the wind changed, and Trump appeared even less able than Maggie to accommodate his style to the new reality. In particular he proved totally unable to adapt either his strategy or his style to the Covid pandemic. Defeat in November 2020 grew increasingly likely and eventually happened, by no small margin. More doubling down followed, but always prudently and staying within the bounds of deniability, culminating in the ludicrous January 6 riot.
And after the inauguration, with President Biden securely in charge, yet more doubling down. But now, post-presidency, Trump has totally taken over the Republican party and apparently committed it to a program of one-party rule. It seems incredible that Donald Trump could be the new Rome's Augustus but then we do not know how long its empire will last.
Update 31/01/2025 It seems less incredible now.
Update 18/01/2022 Corrected errors and rephrased some long clauses.
