Donald Trump in Westerns: A Character Study

From mob bosses to outlaws and psychopaths, Donald Trump has found his place in the lore of Westerns, reimagined as characters who embody the very traits that have defined his political and business career. Let's explore some of these characters and the parallels drawn between them and Trump.

Robber Baron: Morton in "Once Upon a Time in the West"

Morton, the corpulent, corrupt, and cowardly railroad baron in "Once Upon a Time in the West" (1968), serves as a fitting precursor to Donald Trump. Both men are described as 'corpulent' and 'corrupt,' and both lack the physical courage to commit crimes themselves, instead employing hired goons to do their bidding. However, Morton's broader criminal empire leads to a Pandora's box of evil that ultimately undoes him, much like the risks Trump took in his businesses and the subsequent scandals that engulfed him.

Woman Abuser: Cicero Grimes in "Hombre"

Cicero Grimes, played by Richard Boone, is an archetypal villain who relishes intimidating and abusing women. While Trump is no stranger to controversial statements and behavior towards women, he prefers to drink Diet Coke rather than alcohol. Nevertheless, the shared theme of bullying, robbery, and an unhealthy inclination towards mistreating women draws a clear parallel between these characters.

Boss Hogg in "The Dukes of Hazzard"

Boss Hogg from "The Dukes of Hazzard" would more aptly be called "Pukes of Hazzard" given the parallels. As a corrupt landlord and business magnate, Boss Hogg is described as a bully who employs violence and corruption to maintain his power. This character embodies Trump's business tactics and his approach to local governance. The comment by Dave Taylor in the original text cites Boss Hogg as a strong parallel to Trump.

Biff Tannen in "Back to the Future" Trilogy

Biff Tannen, inspired by Donald Trump according to his creator, stands as a consummate bully and opportunist. Trump's establishment of numerous unsuccessful business ventures, from Trump Taj Mahal to Trump University, reflects Tannen's myriad of failed schemes. Tannen's name is also cleverly remapped to 'Tannen' → 'Tanning,' adding a humorous yet telling connection between the characters.

Soulless Psychopath: Anton Chigurh in "No Country for Old Men"

Anton Chigurh, played by Javier Bardem, is a nihilistic psychopath, embodying the ruthless and soulless essence often attributed to Trump. While Trump lacks Chigurh's work ethic, his ruthless business practices, real estate deals, and public comportment mirror traits of a narcissistic sociopath.

Genocidal Maniac: Elliott Marston in "Quigley Down Under"

Elliot Marston, played by Alan Rickman, showcases a sinister ambitions towards Aboriginal populations, paralleling Trump's rhetoric and actions regarding immigrants. Both figures employ violent and corrupt means to maintain their power and control, reflecting a dark aspect of leadership and nationalism.

Calvin Candie in "Django Unchained"

Calvin Candie, played by Leonardo DiCaprio, represents the epitome of despicable characters in Westerns. Highly successful yet petty and cruel, his character's essence is akin to Trump's controversial statements and actions. As described by Quentin Tarantino, Candie embodies the worst in human nature, reflecting Trump's polarizing public image.

Ruthless Law Enforcer: Cobb in "Silverado"

Cobb, the corrupt sheriff portrayed by Brian Dennehy, represents the darker side of authority. His violent and corrupt deputies mirror Trump's firing and replacing of deputies who try to uphold the law, suggesting a broader theme of power and control.

Sadistic Bully: Little Bill Daggett in "Unforgiven"

Little Bill Daggett, Gene Hackman's character, is a bully and sadist. While Trump is also a bully, he ultimately lacks the physical courage that Daggett exhibits. This comparison underscores Trump's inability to confront problems head-on and his preference for frightening others into compliance.

Through the character study of these Western figures, we can draw a clear line between the exploits and behaviors of Donald Trump and these archetypal villains. The parallels offer a compelling narrative framework that highlights the darker aspects of human nature and leadership.