There’s A Sucker Born Every Minute: Analyzing Donald Trump Through the Lens of P.T. Barnum’s Philosophy
By Michael Kelman Portney
Introduction
Donald Trump and P.T. Barnum, separated by over a century, both rose to prominence through an uncanny understanding of media, spectacle, and public perception. Each approached fame with a shared philosophy: that success is built on the ability to captivate an audience, blur lines between reality and performance, and leverage controversy to one’s advantage. This paper examines the alignment in Trump and Barnum’s philosophies across several dimensions—showmanship, media mastery, populist appeal, profit-driven motivations, and resilience to criticism—revealing how both figures navigated fame and influence through similar strategies.
1. Showmanship and Spectacle
• Barnum’s Approach: Barnum built his career on spectacles, from his American Museum featuring “freak shows” and curiosities to his world-famous circus. He created events that went beyond traditional entertainment, offering audiences experiences that were grandiose, unexpected, and visually stunning. His shows often included attractions like the “Feejee Mermaid” and “General Tom Thumb,” figures that were unique and bizarre enough to capture public imagination.
• Trump’s Approach: Trump’s showmanship was first visible in the real estate world, where his properties became iconic symbols of wealth and luxury. He extended this spectacle to television through “The Apprentice,” where he crafted a larger-than-life persona as a no-nonsense business mogul. In politics, Trump transformed rallies into theatrical events, filled with chant-inducing slogans like “Build the Wall” and “Lock Her Up.” His rallies were designed to be as much about entertainment as they were about policy, mirroring Barnum’s knack for creating unforgettable experiences that keep people coming back.
2. Mastery of Media and Public Perception
• Barnum’s Media Tactics: Barnum was a master of early media manipulation, using newspapers to generate buzz around his attractions, often through controversial stunts or statements. His motto could have been “all publicity is good publicity,” as he would welcome any coverage, positive or negative, as long as it attracted crowds. For instance, when his museum was struggling to draw visitors, he would plant stories to stoke curiosity or even stir doubt, understanding that public skepticism would drive more people to see for themselves.
• Trump’s Media Strategy: Trump has consistently dominated media cycles by making bold, often controversial statements that guarantee coverage. During his presidential campaign and presidency, he frequently engaged with the press through provocative comments or sensational claims, which often diverted attention from his critics and kept him in the public eye. His approach mirrors Barnum’s in that he views media coverage as an end in itself; the specific content of the coverage often matters less than the fact that he’s being talked about. Trump’s reliance on social media to drive public perception is a modern twist on Barnum’s ability to harness print media for maximum impact.
3. Blurring the Line Between Reality and Performance
• Barnum’s Illusions: Barnum was known for his “humbug”—an intentional blending of fact and fiction to entertain the public. His exhibitions often included exaggerated or outright fictitious claims, such as presenting the “Feejee Mermaid” as a real mermaid specimen or hyping Joice Heth as George Washington’s 161-year-old nurse. These spectacles were designed to push the audience into a state of suspended disbelief, where curiosity and skepticism kept them engaged.
• Trump’s Ambiguity: Trump’s public statements often blur the line between literal truth and persuasive exaggeration. His use of hyperbole in business and politics—such as describing his wealth in fluctuating, often inflated terms or making sweeping claims about policy successes—creates a narrative where reality is as much a matter of perception as fact. This willingness to operate within a space of ambiguity, where statements are neither entirely true nor entirely false, recalls Barnum’s philosophy of letting the audience decide what they believe, while Trump leverages this uncertainty to maintain control over his image.
4. Populist Appeal and the “Common Man” Persona
• Barnum’s Populist Entertainment: Barnum, despite his wealth, positioned himself as a man of the people by offering affordable entertainment that appealed to the masses rather than the elites. He created experiences that were accessible to all, marketing his shows as public spectacles that transcended class divides. Barnum’s museums and circuses offered an escape and a sense of wonder to ordinary people, solidifying his image as someone who brought joy and excitement to the everyday American.
• Trump’s Populist Persona: Trump fashioned a populist image, appealing to what he described as the “forgotten men and women” of America. Despite his billionaire status, Trump speaks in a direct, colloquial style that resonates with everyday Americans, particularly those who feel disconnected from political elites. He amplifies this connection through slogans like “Make America Great Again,” positioning himself as an advocate for the common citizen. Like Barnum, Trump balances his wealth with a populist tone, framing himself as someone who understands and fights for the average person.
5. Profit-Driven Philosophy
• Barnum’s Commercial Focus: Barnum was unapologetically profit-driven, treating entertainment as a business where success was measured by ticket sales and revenue. His philosophy of “the art of money-getting” underscored his view that profit was the ultimate measure of success. Barnum’s approach was transparent: he marketed his attractions as a business endeavor, embracing financial gain as both the motivation and outcome of his work.
• Trump’s Business-Centric View: Trump’s background in real estate and business brought a profit-focused mindset to his political career. He often frames his policies and decisions in terms of economic gain, treating government spending and national budgets like a business ledger. Trump’s self-identification as a successful businessman who can “run the country like a business” echoes Barnum’s idea that profit and influence are the ultimate markers of competence and success.
6. Resilience to Criticism and Embrace of Controversy
• Barnum’s Tolerance for Critique: Barnum famously said, “I don’t care what the newspapers say about me as long as they spell my name right.” This resilience to criticism allowed Barnum to embrace controversy, using negative publicity to his advantage. His willingness to welcome critique and even outrage meant that he could maintain a high profile and continued relevance, regardless of the sentiment.
• Trump’s Handling of Controversy: Similarly, Trump often appears unfazed by criticism, using it as an opportunity to galvanize his supporters. He frequently positions himself as a victim of unfair attacks by the “mainstream media,” turning critiques into points of solidarity with his base. Like Barnum, Trump understands that controversy can strengthen his image, keeping him relevant and endearing him further to his supporters.
Conclusion
Through the lens of P.T. Barnum, Donald Trump’s philosophy and approach to public life reveal striking similarities in their reliance on spectacle, control over narrative, and an enduring commitment to profit and controversy. Both figures understand that public fascination is often more potent than approval, and that engagement—whether through awe, skepticism, or criticism—is the cornerstone of lasting influence. This analysis highlights how Trump’s strategies and persona are deeply rooted in a Barnum-esque view of fame, where entertainment, ambiguity, and showmanship hold the keys to power and relevance in the public eye.
This structured analysis expands on the thematic connections with examples to emphasize how both Trump and Barnum harnessed public perception as a form of influence. Let me know if you’d like any further refinement or additional sections!
