Viewing Trump and Trumpism Through the Lens of The Godfather Parts I and II
By Michael Kelman Portney
The Godfather saga, with its themes of power, loyalty, corruption, and the pursuit of influence, offers a rich framework for understanding the rise and nature of Trumpism. Much like the Corleone family in The Godfather series, Trump and his movement employ a unique approach to power, loyalty, and public image, blending traditional American ideals with a sense of pragmatism and ruthlessness. Through this lens, we can gain insights into Trump’s appeal, his political philosophy, and the broader societal implications of Trumpism in contemporary America.
1. The Outsider as Insider
In The Godfather, Vito Corleone begins as an outsider to the American system, operating outside the bounds of law and conventional business norms. However, through shrewd alliances and a reputation for loyalty to his community, he gains considerable influence and power within the system. Similarly, Trump presented himself as an outsider—a businessman rather than a career politician—who could challenge the establishment. By framing himself as an “outsider” who understands the world of power and influence, Trump carved out a niche similar to Vito’s, resonating with people who felt alienated or sidelined by the political establishment.
In The Godfather, Vito’s journey is one of an outsider who comes to wield insider influence without fully assimilating into the establishment. Trump’s path has mirrored this in many ways. By positioning himself as a maverick who can “get things done,” Trump appealed to those who felt the traditional political system was ineffective or corrupt. Like Vito, Trump leveraged his outsider status to build a loyal base, feeding a narrative that he alone could protect them from the forces they distrust.
2. Loyalty Above All Else
The Godfather emphasizes loyalty as the glue that holds the Corleone empire together. For Vito and Michael, loyalty to family is paramount, often outweighing considerations of legality or morality. Trump similarly demands loyalty and cultivates an “us versus them” mentality among his supporters. Trump’s insistence on loyalty from both his inner circle and his base echoes the Corleones’ approach, where loyalty and allegiance are prized above all else. This loyalty, in Trump’s case, becomes not just a value but a litmus test for loyalty to the movement itself.
Trump’s dismissal of advisers, officials, and allies who refuse to align with him mirrors Michael Corleone’s approach to managing dissent or betrayal within the family. In The Godfather Part II, Michael eliminates Fredo not only because of his betrayal but as a symbol to others about the price of disloyalty. Trumpism enforces a similar expectation; loyalty is expected, and any deviation from the “family line” can lead to political exile or, in some cases, public shaming.
3. Creating a Personal Brand of Power and Influence
The Godfather series explores how the Corleone family’s power relies not just on violence but on carefully crafted relationships and a public image of honor and respect. Vito Corleone builds his empire by offering protection and favors, cultivating loyalty and creating a reputation that goes beyond money or violence. In Trump’s case, his brand of power also extends beyond policy or governance. Trumpism is as much about the Trump persona as it is about any political ideology; it’s the notion that Trump represents strength, resilience, and a unique vision for America’s future.
Just as Vito leveraged his influence by maintaining a façade of benevolence for his community, Trump’s brand centers around the promise of taking on “the swamp” and protecting his supporters from perceived enemies, from elites to the media. This appeal creates an emotional bond between Trump and his base, where loyalty to him and his values becomes more important than allegiance to party or policy. Much like Vito’s strategy, Trump’s influence hinges on a sense of personal loyalty and gratitude that creates a self-sustaining cycle of support.
4. The Pragmatism of Power
Both Vito and Michael Corleone view power pragmatically, making calculated alliances and not shying away from bending the law to achieve their goals. Trumpism, in many ways, reflects this pragmatism. Trump often disregards convention and embraces an ends-justify-the-means approach, prioritizing his goals over adherence to norms or traditions. This pragmatic approach appeals to supporters who see Trump’s willingness to break rules as necessary to dismantle a flawed system.
In The Godfather Part II, Michael Corleone’s decision to take revenge on those who betrayed the family, even at the cost of losing his own humanity, highlights a pragmatic approach to power that resonates in Trump’s political style. Michael’s pursuit of control and influence becomes increasingly ruthless, focusing more on consolidating power than on the values the family once upheld. This mirrors the way Trumpism has evolved into a movement that prioritizes loyalty and victory over traditional conservative principles.
5. Personal Vendettas and the Art of Retaliation
In The Godfather, vendettas and grudges drive much of the plot, with characters seeking retribution for perceived slights. Trump has a similar tendency to retaliate against those he perceives as disloyal or critical, often using public statements, rallies, or social media as his means of retribution. This element of Trumpism appeals to supporters who feel that they, too, have been wronged by elites or the media, vicariously experiencing a sense of justice through Trump’s actions.
Michael’s methodical elimination of perceived enemies and traitors in The Godfather Part II—including his own brother Fredo—underscores a willingness to sacrifice personal relationships for control. Trump’s treatment of former allies or advisers who have criticized him mirrors Michael’s approach to loyalty and betrayal. For Trump, as for Michael, disloyalty is a form of weakness that must be dealt with decisively, even if it means burning bridges.
6. Legacy and the Question of Succession
A major theme in The Godfather saga is legacy and the desire to leave a lasting impact. Both Vito and Michael Corleone strive to protect and expand the family legacy, often at great personal cost. Trump’s emphasis on his family—whether through positioning his children within his businesses or their presence in his political sphere—suggests a similar interest in legacy-building. Trumpism, much like the Corleone empire, seems designed to endure, with family members positioned to continue the brand should Trump step aside.
In The Godfather Part II, Michael’s obsessive pursuit of power leads him down a path that ultimately isolates him from those closest to him. As he builds his empire, he distances himself from his values, illustrating the cost of unbridled ambition. Trump’s focus on loyalty and the consolidation of power within his family hints at a similar desire to maintain control even beyond his own political career, suggesting that Trumpism may continue through successors.
7. The Costs of Power and Division
While Vito’s and Michael’s rise to power consolidates their control, it also exacts a heavy toll. Michael, in particular, becomes increasingly isolated, sacrificing relationships and personal values in the pursuit of influence. Similarly, Trumpism has led to deep divisions, not only within American politics but within communities and families. The polarizing nature of Trump’s influence has led to conflicts that, like Michael’s eventual isolation, reveal the human cost of relentless loyalty and ambition.
The final scenes of The Godfather Part II, where Michael sits alone after his many acts of vengeance, reflect the ultimate isolation that can come from unchecked power. For Trump and his base, the polarization that has resulted from Trumpism carries similar risks of estrangement and division, highlighting how an intense loyalty to one figure or movement can come at the cost of broader unity and shared values.
Conclusion: Trumpism and the Corleone Legacy
Viewing Trump and Trumpism through the lens of The Godfather films highlights the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and the costs of ambition. Like the Corleones, Trump and his movement wield influence by demanding loyalty, cultivating an outsider identity, and prioritizing a pragmatic approach to achieving goals. However, as the films demonstrate, the pursuit of power often comes with unintended consequences—loss of trust, personal isolation, and a legacy that is as divisive as it is enduring.
For Democrats, understanding Trumpism through The Godfather offers a cautionary tale. It underscores the need for balancing ambition with integrity, loyalty with transparency, and power with accountability. Much like Michael Corleone’s final solitude, Trumpism’s path of division and relentless loyalty may ultimately alienate those closest to it, creating an enduring but fractured legacy. Through this lens, The Godfather reminds us that unchecked power, no matter how skillfully wielded, has a price that extends beyond the individual to the very fabric of society itself.
