Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince

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However immoral The Prince may be, Niccolò Machiavelli’s handbook on preserving power continues to ring true as his teachings flourish in the hands of businesses, politicians, and leaders worldwide. Take Donald J. Trump, an esteemed businessman and television personality who has emulated Machiavelli’s prince in his first year as president. He appeared humane, compassionate, trustworthy, honest, and religious which twisted him into a political prince set to protect his power. Although, if one truly practices these virtues, remaining in office will be out of the question. Likewise, The Prince states, “a ruler, especially a ruler new to power, can't always behave in ways that would make people think a man good, because to stay in power he's frequently …show more content…

Lacking trustworthiness, Trump’s ability to be reliable tanks as he breaks his promises. Listening to Machiavelli’s advice, it is not important for a leader to keep his word, as a sensible leader must not keep his word if he puts himself at risk, and if the reasons that made him give his word in the first place are no longer valid (71). As a candidate, Trump promised to help the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, but what he essentially did was hurt the Dreamers, making the decision to end DACA. Thus, President Trump takes pride in wearing this crown, his authority techniques prove this as he plays the role of America’s Machiavellian prince; his commands seem compassionate, but he cannot be trusted because he breaks his promises. In the words of Machiavelli, who is also nicknamed the Father of Modern Political Science, a ruler will always find good excuses to break his promise. Staying in key with The Prince, Trump has no need to worry while he continues to remain supreme as he looks compassionate, religious and …show more content…

As The Prince has said, “Everyone will appreciate how admirable it is for a ruler to keep his word and be honest rather than deceitful” (71). Trump has kept his word and has been trustworthy for most of his candidacy. But, behind closed doors, it was revealed that Trump was actually just keeping a few of his words. According to The Washington Post, Trump revealed highly classified information. Former U.S. Officials said, “Trump’s disclosures jeopardized a critical source of intelligence on the Islamic state” (Greg & Greg). With President Trump to reveal the classified information to the Russian Prime minister and ambassador, it has been questioned if Trump is trustworthy. It has also been stated in The Washington Post, that “The partner had not given the United States permission to share the material with Russia, and Officials said, Trump’s decision to do so endangers cooperation from an ally that has access to the inner workings of the Islamic state,” (Greg & Greg). If the state was not given permission by the partners to reveal to the closest allies, the fact Trump could reveal such classified information is shocking. As The Prince has also stated, “A ruler who just plays the lion and forgets the Fox doesn’t know what he’s doing,” (71) This statement proves true in Trump’s case. Without the advisory of the state, how could the

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