Ambition and Legacy in Power

Ambition and Legacy in Power

The surprising parallels between Donald Trump and Citizen Kane’s Charles Kane

Donald Trump and Citizen Kane’s Charles Foster Kane (one of Donald Trump’s favorite movies) are separated by decades and mediums, but the similarities between the two figures are striking. As we approach Trump’s return as the 47th President of the United States, the parallels are striking. Both men’s lives highlight ambition, fame, control, and their complex legacies.

A Relentless Drive for Success

Charles Foster Kane begins his rise with the purchase of a small newspaper, quickly transforming it into a media empire. His declaration, “I think it would be fun to run a newspaper,” encapsulates his hunger for influence. Similarly, Trump’s journey starts with real estate ventures, evolving into a global brand synonymous with success, and his eventual entry into politics. Trump’s philosophy, “I like thinking big. If you’re going to be thinking anything, you might as well think big,” mirrors Kane’s bold approach.

The Unquenchable for Recognition

For Kane, owning a newspaper becomes a way to shape public opinion and keep his name in the spotlight. His confidence is summed up in his statement, “You provide the prose poems, I’ll provide the war.” Trump’s fame operates similarly—from skyscrapers to reality TV to his presidency, he ensures his name and brand remain at the forefront of public consciousness. His comment, “Nobody builds walls better than me, believe me,” reflects his signature flair for attention and dominance.

Wealth and Power

Wealth plays a central role in both men’s stories. Kane uses his fortune to buy influence and indulge in grandiose visions, later reflecting, “If I hadn’t been very rich, I might have been a really great man.” Trump’s approach to wealth is equally bold, once stating, “Part of the beauty of me is that I’m very rich.” Both men’s riches symbolize their power but also isolate them, creating barriers to genuine connection.

Control and Relationships

Control defines both Kane and Trump. Kane’s need to dominate his surroundings leads to the disintegration of his personal relationships, epitomized by his second wife’s accusation: “You just tried to bribe me into giving you something.” Trump’s personal life has also been marked by multiple marriages and publicized family disputes, often reflecting a transactional dynamic. Control brings success, but it comes at the cost of intimacy.

Legacies That Spark Debate

​Kane’s media empire influences elections and public thought, leading him to declare, “People will think what I tell them to think.” Similarly, Trump’s presidency left a profound mark on American society. His assertion, “I could stand in the middle of 5th Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose voters,” underscores his belief in the power of loyalty and influence.
 
The stories of Charles Foster Kane and Donald Trump share a cautionary lesson about the costs of unchecked ambition and the pursuit of control. Both men achieve incredible power but often at the expense of authentic relationships and self-awareness. Kane’s final word, "Rosebud," reflects a longing for the simplicity and connections he sacrificed, while Trump’s legacy raises questions about the divisions and impact left in his wake. Their lives compel us to consider the price of power and how success without balance can lead to isolation and unfulfilled potential.
 
How will Trumps thirst for power affect us in the years to come? Let me know your thoughts.

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