By Michael Portney

Hunter S. Thompson, the gonzo journalist and counterculture icon known for his biting social critique and visceral prose, was one of the most influential voices in 20th-century American journalism. His works captured the disillusionment, corruption, and chaos he perceived in American politics, often mixing fact with intense, sometimes brutal, introspection. If Thompson were alive to witness Donald Trump’s second presidential victory in 2024, it’s likely that he would respond with a furious blend of shock, cynicism, and perhaps a touch of resignation.

While we can only speculate on what Thompson might have written, we can draw from his existing work to imagine how he would have commented on the surreal and polarized political landscape surrounding Trump’s second win. This paper explores how Thompson’s perspectives on corruption, populism, and the fragility of American democracy might frame his critique of Trump and his supporters.

1. The Rise of “The King Hell Beast”: Trump as an American Archetype

A. Thompson’s Critique of Power and Corruption

In Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72, Thompson portrayed politicians as untrustworthy, power-hungry characters, detached from the people they were supposed to serve. He saw the political process as a machine that amplified the worst aspects of American culture—greed, deception, and ruthlessness. Trump, as a figure who embodies a populist appeal combined with personal wealth, would likely have represented, to Thompson, the ultimate “King Hell Beast,” a figure whose ascent to power revealed the moral decay of American society.

• Trump as the Manifestation of Corruption: Thompson often described politicians as opportunists willing to manipulate the masses to stay in power. For him, Trump’s disregard for norms, polarizing rhetoric, and ethical flexibility would exemplify the kind of politician who profits off division and chaos.

• The Triumph of the “American Dream” Gone Wrong: To Thompson, Trump’s appeal might be a grotesque reflection of the American Dream, where success is measured not by principles but by wealth, celebrity, and the power to disrupt. Trump’s victory would be, for Thompson, less about a legitimate mandate and more about a breakdown of societal values—a sign of how desperation, disillusionment, and anger could be manipulated.

B. The Cult of Personality and Fear

Thompson was skeptical of charismatic leaders, and his works often depicted them as dangerous influences on the American psyche. He might have seen Trump as a uniquely dangerous populist figure who used fear to fuel his power, creating an “us versus them” mentality that polarized the nation.

• Fear as a Tool of Division: Thompson’s work shows a fascination with fear’s power over the human mind. He would likely argue that Trump’s rhetoric leverages fear and anger, especially around issues like immigration, economic instability, and national identity, to galvanize a devoted following.

• The Cult of Personality: Thompson would view Trump’s supporters as part of a cultish movement, a group that idolizes Trump as a messianic figure capable of “draining the swamp.” He would see this devotion as a dangerous erosion of critical thinking and individual agency.

2. Gonzo Journalism and the Absurdity of Modern Politics

A. A Politics of Paranoia and Surrealism

In Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, Thompson’s gonzo style captured the paranoia and surrealism of American culture in the 1970s. If he were alive today, he might argue that modern politics—especially Trump’s second election—resembles an absurdist performance that has transcended rationality and veered into a chaotic spectacle.

• The War on Truth: Thompson often spoke about a “war on truth” and would likely see Trump’s reliance on misinformation as a direct assault on reality. The blurring of fact and fiction in American media and politics today would feed into Thompson’s vision of an America that has lost its grip on truth.

• The Theater of Politics: To Thompson, Trump’s presidency would represent a shift from policy-driven politics to theater, where spectacle and hyperbole have replaced reason and pragmatism. He might describe Trump’s second election as a “circus” that has reduced the American public to spectators rather than participants in democracy.

B. A New Era of “Fear and Loathing”

Trump’s 2024 victory would likely represent a new chapter in the “fear and loathing” that Thompson famously documented. He would view it as a symptom of America’s moral and political decay—a nation so divided that it has surrendered to an ideology driven by rage, tribalism, and anti-establishment sentiment.

• A Nation at War with Itself: Thompson might write that Trump’s re-election is not just a political event but a sign of a fractured national identity. He would view this as the culmination of years of resentment, mistrust, and the collapse of institutions that once held the nation together.

• Trump as the Embodiment of Loathing: For Thompson, Trump’s divisive tactics would embody a deep loathing for any values of empathy, collaboration, or truth. He might write about Trump’s America as a place where decency is lost, replaced by the raw, brutal ambition that defines modern power.

3. The End of the American Dream: Trump’s Election as a Moral Reckoning

A. Democracy at a Breaking Point

In his critique of Nixon, Thompson saw Watergate as an indication that American democracy was at a breaking point. For Thompson, Trump’s second election would likely symbolize an even deeper crisis—where democracy itself is being exploited for power.

• A System Built on Disillusionment: Thompson would view Trump’s victory as the ultimate indictment of a political system that has failed the people. Trump’s populist success could be seen as a response to widespread disenfranchisement and mistrust in both parties.

• The Collapse of Civic Values: Thompson would likely argue that Trump’s re-election signals a decay of civic values, where public service is secondary to spectacle and personal gain. The traditional ideals of American democracy—honesty, integrity, and commitment to the public good—have, in his view, been trampled.

B. The American Dream as a Nightmare

Thompson’s writing often focused on the dark side of the American Dream, revealing how it could mutate into greed and self-interest. He would likely argue that Trump’s return to power is a reflection of this transformation, where the pursuit of power, wealth, and fame has eclipsed any higher moral calling.

• The Corruption of the American Ideal: Thompson would see Trump as the culmination of an American Dream that has lost its way. Rather than inspiring citizens to be their best selves, it has become a pathway to self-enrichment and deception.

• A Future of Cynicism and Despair: For Thompson, the Trump era would represent a profound disillusionment with American ideals. He might write about a future where Americans are so disillusioned that they no longer believe in the possibility of a better nation—where cynicism, rather than hope, defines the national character.

4. The Voice of Gonzo in the Age of Trump: What Thompson Would Leave Us With

A. A Call for Radical Change

Thompson’s legacy lies not only in his criticism but in his belief that America could be better than the corruption he saw. In response to Trump’s re-election, Thompson might call for a radical reassessment of what America stands for, urging people to reject fear, embrace critical thinking, and fight for a more compassionate vision of the country.

• The Need for Political Accountability: Thompson would likely demand that Americans hold their leaders accountable, refusing to be passive participants in a broken system. He might argue that citizens need to reclaim democracy from those who exploit it.

• Rejecting Complacency: Thompson would warn against complacency, urging Americans to recognize that Trump’s re-election is not merely a result of “the system” but also of the public’s willingness to accept the status quo. He would challenge readers to remain vigilant, active, and fiercely independent.

B. Embracing Humanity Amidst the Chaos

Despite his cynicism, Thompson believed in the power of individual agency. He might implore Americans to resist the urge to demonize each other and instead find common ground amidst political chaos. While he would acknowledge the challenges posed by Trump’s return to power, he would likely urge citizens to reject fear and rediscover their shared humanity.

• Resisting the Fear Machine: Thompson would see Trump’s rhetoric as part of a larger “fear machine” that thrives on division. He would likely advocate for a rejection of this fear and a commitment to seeing one another as fellow Americans, rather than enemies.

• Hope in Individual Action: In his view, the future of America lies in the hands of individuals who are willing to think critically, act with integrity, and refuse to be controlled by fear or propaganda.

Conclusion: What Thompson’s Legacy Teaches Us About Trump’s America

Hunter S. Thompson’s unique voice was a beacon of fierce independence, skepticism, and idealism. While he would likely view Trump’s 2024 victory as a sign of America’s decline, he would also challenge Americans to resist the despair and complacency that such an election represents. For Thompson, Trump’s second term would be a clarion call—a reminder that the battle for democracy, truth, and compassion is never over.

In the age of Trump, Thompson would leave us with a demand to remain vigilant, engaged, and fiercely human, even as the political landscape grows more absurd. For Thompson, the fight against cynicism, fear, and division is the essence of what it means to be American, and he would remind us that this fight is worth every ounce of effort we can give.