The first ‘pop culture’ president

A political tsunami swept Donald Trump into the White House in 2016. He’s been riding that wave ever since. The gaffs, misstatements, outright lies, questionable ethics and attacks on American institutions that would have brought down most politicians have had little or no effect on President Trump. That’s because the Trump phenomenon is no ordinary political movement. It is a pop-culture spectacle. Over the years, we’ve experienced Presley-mania, Beatle-mania, and Spice-mania. This time around, it’s Trump-mania!  

For good or bad, the craze is still going strong. The main reason for Trump’s success has less to do with his political positions, policies or rhetoric than it does with his status as a pop culture hero.

We’ve had heroes become presidents in the past, but Trump is different. He’s not a war hero like Dwight Eisenhower. Nor is he a heroic politician like Jefferson or Lincoln. Ronald Reagan used his celebrity status as a movie star to launch his political career, but by the time he became president he was an experienced governor. John F. Kennedy and Bill Clinton became pop culture heroes only after they became president. Trump, on the other hand, first gained attention as a pop culture icon and then rode that fame all the way to the White House.

Much to the chagrin of the Democratic and Republican establishment, Trump still has mass appeal. Only time will tell how that plays out in 2020. Arguably, pop culture is participatory democracy in action. It truly is one person, one vote. Consumers can cast their ballots by buying a product or becoming a fan.

Many voters know and trust Trump — or at least, they think they know and trust him. They’ve seen him on the public stage for decades, tracking his every move as a businessman, author, reality TV host, pitchman and all-around celebrity. Now they’re cheering him on in the political arena. Adoring fans equate Trump with success and, through the miracle of mass media, consider him a close friend and kindred spirit.

Many Americans raised on pop culture view Trump as a no-nonsense problem solver in the heroic tradition of John Wayne. They are convinced that the president is uniquely qualified to lead the nation. Supporters see Trump as an accomplished businessman who won’t accept mediocrity but will stand up to special interests and political correctness. Trump promises to “make America great again” with good jobs for all, victory over enemies, and guarantees of life, liberty, and happiness.

No wonder millions of people have jumped on the Trump Train. They’re on board because they like the product and trust the brand. His one-size-fits all approach — whether it’s in baseball caps or government policies — has great appeal because of its simplicity. To true believers, Trump is America’s last hope.

Of course, popular culture has a dangerous downside. America’s nightmares have always lurked in the pop culture shadows. Unscrupulous hucksters learned early on that sex, violence, bigotry, profanity, vulgarity, misogyny, racism and deceit sell pop-culture products. Arguably, Trump has exhibited each of those on the pop culture road to political success. What remains to be seen is whether his willingness to dabble in pop culture’s dark side will ultimately result in political perdition for him and the nation.

So far, most politicians and pundits haven’t been able to figure out how to counter Trump. The reason is simple: the 45th president of the United States isn’t practicing politics as usual. He continues to ride a pop culture wave high above the political landscape. Like many pop culture heroes and villains, Trump is invulnerable to ordinary attacks. His loyal fans identify with him and are willing to overlook missteps and mistakes. Logic and facts can’t bring down this pop culture superstar.

If any political Kryptonite is out there, Trump’s opponents have yet to find it. Ironically, the fickle world of pop culture may hold the key. Just as the Wizard of Oz was eventually exposed as a charlatan, the curtain protecting Trump might come tumbling down if something in his personal life or professional career clearly demonstrates that he is not what he pretends to be. Another way to topple a pop culture idol is to find a newer American idol. At this point, no figure on the national stage has been savvy enough or fresh enough to outmaneuver Trump. But, perhaps down the road, a new hero could ride in on a white horse to save the day. It might be a Republican like Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) or a Democrat such as Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) or Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, Indi. The best bet is former Vice President Joe Biden, since Americans have always loved dramatic comebacks.

For now, though, Trump — pop culture hero or anti-hero extraordinaire — is on a roll. Where it stops nobody knows. If this political equivalent of the WWE’s villainous “Rowdy” Roddy Piper cleans up his act, he could still wind up a successful president with enormous grassroots appeal. Then again, he might prove to be just a modern-day snake oil salesman in league with pop culture’s darker angels.

In any case, Trump’s rise is no mere political movement. It is a powerful pop culture phenomenon that continues to crush anything or anyone in its path. That’s why Republicans and Democrats need to take him seriously. Another Trump Tsunami could be headed their way in 2020. If they’re not careful, they’re going to be trumped again by America’s first “pop culture” president.

Richard Aquila is a professor emeritus of history at Penn State University and a distinguished lecturer of the Organization of American Historians. A specialist in U.S. Social and Cultural history, his latest book is “Let’s Rock! How 1950s America Created Elvis and the Rock & Roll Craze.”