USA’s claim to exceptionalism debunked
By Mwansa Chalwe Snr
The 2016 election of Donald Trump was initially dismissed by some as a fluke, but his 2024 re-election reveals a more profound truth about American society. It’s astonishing that despite widespread awareness of Trump’s controversial actions and characteristics, including his racism, serial lying, criminal convictions, habitual dishonesty, misogyny, and an attempted coup, a significant portion of Americans still support him. The choice of Donald Trump over Vice President Kamala Harris has exposed deap-seated issues with American society such as systemic racism, xenophobia, and economic inequality.
Furthermore, the 2024 U.S. presidential election has once again cast doubt on the country’s self-proclaimed status as an exceptional nation and democracy, with Donald Trump’s re-election throwing many of America’s foundational values into question. The former president’s return to power, despite his legal challenges, controversial past, and divisive record, has ignited global debates about the legitimacy of U.S. claims to uphold the rule of law, gender equality, democracy, and peaceful power transitions. America’s exceptionalism has been a guiding narrative for decades, but Trump’s victory challenges this image in fundamental ways.
Rule of Law: A Convict Elected to the Presidency
One of the central pillars of American democracy is the rule of law, which asserts that no one is above it. However, Trump’s re-election, even while facing serious legal challenges and being convicted on 34 counts and awaiting sentencing, defies this notion and logic. In many democracies and professional settings, a person convicted of a crime would be barred from office or disqualified from jobs requiring trust and responsibility. Yet, here is a man who was indicted on multiple charges, now holding the highest office in the land. This sends a contradictory message that, in America, the elite can evade the consequences of their actions, rendering the rule of law selective.
If any other public figure with a similar history attempted to secure a leadership role in most modern democracies, they would be swiftly disqualified. The willingness of a significant portion of the electorate to ignore or excuse his misogynistic tendencies signals a deep hypocrisy in America’s professed commitment to gender equity.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
Trump’s re-election also casts a dark shadow over America’s commitment to gender equality and women’s rights. His track record of derogatory comments toward women, multiple allegations of sexual assault, and his disregard for gender equality fly in the face of a country that prides itself on advancing women’s rights.
In addition to this troubling history, the 2024 election occurred in the wake of the Supreme Court’s revocation of Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed women’s constitutional right to abortion for nearly 50 years. This decision placed women’s reproductive rights on the ballot, with many voters seeing Trump’s victory as a continuation of policies that strip away women’s autonomy over their bodies. By electing a candidate who not only has a long-standing record of abusing and demeaning women but also supports the erosion of their reproductive freedoms, America has undermined its ability to claim leadership in the global fight for gender equality. It is a stark reminder that, despite progress, the U.S. still struggles to protect and promote women’s rights, especially when it comes to control over their own bodies. This outcome highlights the deep disconnect between America’s stated values and the political realities within its borders.
Democracy
American democracy is often presented as a model for the world. However, the re-election of a president who has consistently attacked the electoral process—calling the results of the 2020 election fraudulent without evidence—brings into question the integrity of the system. How can a country, whose leaders undermine the democratic process when it does not favour them, claim to be a beacon of democratic ideals? The election of a candidate who has disparaged the very framework of free and fair elections exposes deep cracks in the foundation of U.S. democratic values.
Peaceful Transfer of Power
One of the most critical components of any stable democracy is the peaceful transfer of power. Trump’s refusal to accept the results of the 2020 election, leading to the January 6th Capitol riots, shattered this principle. A president who actively sowed doubt in the electoral process and incited his supporters to challenge a lawful transition now reoccupies the Oval Office. This starkly contradicts America’s assertion that it stands as a model for democratic transitions. Trump’s return to power signifies that the U.S. has not fully reckoned with the damage done to this cornerstone of democracy.
Authoritarianism
Trump’s well-documented admiration for authoritarian leaders, including his reported praise of Hitler, raises alarming concerns about the direction of American leadership. Throughout his first presidency, Trump openly admired dictators like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, expressing admiration for their unchecked power. His return to the White House, after expressing admiration for autocratic figures, dilutes America’s long-standing position as a global opponent of dictatorship. How can a nation that prides itself on opposing authoritarian regimes continue to do so with a president who expresses admiration for those same regimes?
Racism
From the early days of his real estate career, Trump has faced accusations of racism, including refusing to rent apartments to Black tenants in New York. This history, coupled with his inflammatory remarks on immigrants and his response to the Charlottesville white supremacist rally, solidifies his legacy as a divisive and racially prejudiced figure. Despite America’s progress in civil rights, the election of a candidate with such a racially charged record undermines the country’s claims of racial equality and justice. The election result reflects not only Trump’s personal biases but also a troubling undercurrent of racial tension in the American electorate.
Conclusion
The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 exposes the hypocrisy embedded in America’s claims to exceptionalism. A nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law, championing gender equality, promoting democracy, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power has, once again, elected a deeply flawed candidate. Trump’s victory underscores the fragility of these values in the U.S., revealing that the very principles the country promotes abroad are compromised at home. Far from being a beacon of exceptionalism, America is now reckoning with the contradictions that this election has laid bare for the world to see.
The re-election of Donald Trump in 2024 exposes the hypocrisy embedded in America’s claims to exceptionalism. A nation that prides itself on upholding the rule of law, championing gender equality, promoting democracy, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power has, once again, elected a deeply flawed candidate. Trump’s victory not only underscores the fragility of these values in the U.S., but it also signals that the credibility of America preaching the very principles it claims to be built on has gone out of the window.
The U.S. can no longer convincingly promote democracy, human rights, and rule of law abroad when it fails to live up to these ideals at home. In fact, Trump’s return to power will likely embolden dictators and autocrats around the world, who will see this as validation of their own disregard for democratic norms. Far from being a beacon of exceptionalism, America is now reckoning with the contradictions that this election has laid bare for the world to see.
Finally, it should be noted that the leaders a nation elects are a reflection of its society, and a nation gets the leaders it deserves. Americans have made their choice, and they should remember that elections have consequences and they know what they have signed for. They have to be prepared for the consequences and drama.
The writer is a Chartered Accountant, Author and an independent financial analyst and Economic Commentator.
Just stating the obvious and what most are thinking
My only observation now is the RED TIE
Mwansa Chalwe what youre say is puzzling many pundits with conspiracy theorists already saying he did his homework on how to fix it and together with American business they fixed it. The early votes were cooked. For me it just tells us something the Chinese already know: that Democracy may not be the best system of rule.
However if you watched most of pre-election coverage you were going to be shocked at American citizens’ ignorance. What made it tragic was that they were making decisions without knowing what their candidates stood for. Watch an interview of Republican voters on issues like Critical Race Theory(CRT). https://youtu.be/NQEKgoIr_6A?t=664
hello
HELLO
Despite all this, Donald Trump is an economic strategist which is what really matters to people. He transformed the economy in his first term. Different from here in Zambia were ruling parties praise themselves day and night of having done a lot of things for the people but people’s livelyhoods are not even improving an inch. People’s livelihoods are perpetually on idling
Strategist? He left the economy in tatters.
Reminds me of Scripture that says, “no one is good, no not one”. American has proven that they’re as bad as other countries across the board, and can do anything for a perceived better economy.
The author shows that he listens too much to US corporate media. I doubt that he is even remotely aware of the propaganda that informs his views. In the next 4 years he should make it his project to tune out the likes of CNN. He needs to detox.
He will understand America better, and what happened in this election will be perfectly normal. He should also take interest in appreciating the influence of the cultural wars in the US, in particular homosexuality.
If the USA elections were based on Race then Barrak Obama wouldn’t have won the election.. not just once but twice. It’s quality that they vote for. Kamala Harris may have been a state attorney but she still remained an unknown quality. Obama when he spoke even stones were moved into emotions. As vice president just like our Nalumango, she never really came out apart from the perpetual smile taking most of her face. Most important Biden has spent too much money on a war that has nothing to do with the USA.
You could be right. Gender may be because surveys showed most people, especially the male, were not for a female president. The pro-female vote among the women was a three to four point majority for a woman President.
Chatting about Donald Trump and America here whilst mealie meal prices are skyrocketing daily in Zambia. Just what is wrong in this country
Indeed we should be concerned with what HH is doing or not doing instead of wasting our time over a land that is thousands of miles away
What this shows is that Americans benefitted
In president trumps policy in comparison to
President Biden.The court cases have been
Overlooked by his overall betterment policy
For the country.
America is a land of possibilities!
SO IS ZAMBIA FOR THE SELECT FEW
Very true! It is possible to have a fool in the White House!
“It’s the economy, stupid!” Voters consistently prioritize the economy above all else, which is what triggered the significant shift of a few percentage points (the so called independent votes) toward the ‘Make America Great Again’ campaign. Kamala’s lack of likability was evident even among her own party members upon being appointed VP 4 years back; this is clearly a matter of personality, not race. Regarding Donald Trumps’s court cases, most people view them as politically motivated and which obviously backfired on Democrats.
You’re deeply delusional , i feel like puking at this false diatribe actually .
With Trump in the White House, please fasten your seat belts. This is a man who could not even appoint an assistant secretary of state for Africa for close to two years. War with China looks more likely now.
I appreaciate commentaries over this write-up of Donald Trump and American society projecting inconsistecy with what they preach based on their founding father’s values and beliefs. Perish the thought, that this can apply to the Zambian situation. Zambians are different to American society – we can not sinl so low as them
Trump elected as President of USA speaks volume and that’s what I’ve been saying for so many years. But this time mostly, it was because of the situation on economy. The inflation has been a worldwide issue. And this is when your own budgeting skills helps, doesn’t matter about the money you make.
I couldn’t agree more. Your article is very thoughtful.
Contrary to what the writer says, actually the reelection of Trump proves the strength of America’s Democracy! It’s the people who choose and elect their own leaders, flawed those leaders may be.
Judging from a distance, Trump is indeed a man with many flaws and he doesn’t seem to be fit to be the leader of the free world. But the people have spoken and made their choice… everyone respects that choice whether you disagree with ir or not.
Perhaps question the wisdom of the voters, but certainly their democratic system and Constitutional principles remain intact and Trump is actually evidence of that.
@Jigga as much as you are trying to rationalise American Democracy check your examples: “everyone respects that choice whether you disagree with ir or not”
Trump didnt accept the choice of Biden and even engineered a shameful invasion of the state’s parliament. Right now US allies are crossing their fingers that he doesnt fuel wars in Ukraine and Middle East
Trump appealed to the fears and insecurities of the unsuspecting voters… call them useful idi0ts. The man’s policies of tariffs will just make inflation even higher. Plus inflation isn’t an American problem but a global issue, partly due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. But obviously most Americans have no clue about what’s happening globally.
The economy he claims he was good at during his first presidency is a lie… Obama left him a great economy and he actually stuffed it up and messed it up during COVID. Biden was cleaning up his mess. It takes more than 4 years before you could see the results or fruits of macro economic policies. Obviously the average MAGA cult has no college degree to know this. Even immigration, he lied about Mexico paying for the wall so he never fixed $h!*t on immigration during his presidency.
You’re the only one here speaking sense . Racism played a key role in the convicted felon’s election ,but also lies , poor education and misinformation .And yes, he has no clue how economies work or even tariffs.
Americans chose Trump, which just proves that they are no longer hypocritical.
Americans choice of Trump is in fact, a glaring self deception and highest level of American hypocrisy – We ask, can America today lecture another state on Good governance, Rule of Law, Transparency and Accountability?, America has lost its moral compass and decency.
How can electing T rump be hypocritical. The man just outdid everyone. Hollywood, mainstream media and just about everybody thought they will buried T rump. They were wrong. Currently he is enjoying 56% lead compared to 42% she has, as if she didn’t have state machinery including Air force 2. Losing like she was the one in opposition politics. Out of so much witch hunt, he shamed them all.
You are really a disciple of Devil Trump! Wait and see
What did Hollywood do. Dont fingerpoint the innocent. Hollywood by the movies it has produced was aloof from the election
#Sidney
#Bethsheba.
You are just strolling here. Keep licking your wounds as a result of that electoral whipping that your preferred candidate received. She was washed away. The D evil you know may surely be better than that angel. A named Democrat called Trump supporters as gabbage. I can neither fault him nor blame you for such wild comments.
Sidney Poitier. Most US tycoons and performing artists shunned Reps. A few people like Musk were labeled mad fellows supporting losers. The lesson is don’t underrate/overrate anybody in life.
Right now the whole of Western Europe is doing a reset for the man they insulted day and night. It is a small world.
AMERICANS CHOSE TRUMP, BECAUSE THAT IS WHO THEY ARE: TRUMPIAN
Tell them to pack their multi-storey military base in Ibex Hill and go. Or just be quiet
Yes , the felon’s election and his dark track record proves lots of hypocrisy.
When you put a clown in the palace, the clown doesn’t become a king rather the palace becomes a circus
Circus is a nice place. Entertainment abounds!
Hypocrisy yes. A settler country voted against the arrival of more settlers. Now they are rubbing their hands to await the great deportation.
This where real hypocrisy lies… the same people who don’t want immigrants are the same people using the same immigrants to work on their farms for pennies.
As things are, Americans have elected a convict, with a pending plethora of court cases. His assault on the Capital Hill is inexcusable, with African authetic judgement Trump would be in jail. Am told Trump is a Facist. Meaning Trump believes in authoritarianism and nationalism that borders on racial purity or a master race that descriminates against a demonised ”Other” including immigrants. That is the baggage American liberal constitutionalism will be preaching to the world today. Which nation looks to America for moral guidance?