Trump’s American Populism and Fichte’s German Nation

Those who speak the same language are joined to each other by a multitude of invisible bonds by nature herself, long before any human art begins; they understand each other and have the power of continuing to make themselves understood more and more clearly; they belong together and are by nature one and an inseparable whole.

– Johann Gottlieb Fichte, “To the German Nation” (1806)

When German Idealist philosopher Johann Gottlieb Fichte published his seminal Addresses to the German Nation in 1808, he could hardly have predicted that, more than two centuries later, a New World leader would rise, evoking parallels in spirit, rhetoric, and vision. Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, is often credited for sparking a populist revolution, echoing back to the fervent nationalism that Fichte’s words had once inspired. This essay seeks to trace the common threads between Trump’s populism and Fichte’s impassioned call, arguing that both figures, despite the vast chasm of time and context, have championed similar causes: the voice of the people, the soul of the nation, and a vision for renewed greatness.

Fichte’s Summons: The Spirit of the Volk

Fichte’s Addresses to the German Nation was not merely a philosophical discourse; it was a rallying cry. The German states, under Napoleonic occupation, were fractured and demoralized. Fichte sought to rekindle a collective spirit, urging his countrymen to recognize their shared ancestral heritage. He envisioned a unified German nation, one that would rise above regional loyalties and represent a larger, more profound identity. The Volk, or “the people,” for Fichte, was not just a demographic entity but the very embodiment of the German spirit, which was rooted not merely in shared language but also in the deeper civilizational, moral, and intellectual heritage of the Germanic people. Fichte believed the German spirit to be purer and more original than that of other nations, especially as, he claimed, it was less corrupted by foreign influences.

Trump’s Populist Resonance: Voice of the Silent Majority

Fast forward to the twenty-first century: America finds itself at a crossroads. Economic challenges, political divides, and a growing sense of disillusionment have permeated many sections of society. Into this milieu stepped Trump with his promise to “make America great again.” His populist message is clear: Washington’s elite has lost touch with the real Americans, the everyday workers, the muted masses. Trump’s populism is not merely a political strategy; it is an urge to reconnect with America’s foundational principles, much like Fichte’s endeavor to remind Germans of their shared destiny. Trump calls for restoring American sovereignty, removing the influence of globalist institutions, rejuvenating the nation’s economic and cultural foundations, and bolstering infrastructure as a tangible manifestation of his patriotic vision.

Shared Ethos: The Nation First

Both Trump and Fichte have emphasized the primacy of the nation. For Fichte, a united German state was not merely a political objective; it was a sacred imperative. He believed that only by recognizing and nurturing their unique German character could the Germanic states rise above their challenges and carve out a unique and shared destiny.

Similarly, Trump’s “America First” doctrine is rooted in the belief that national interests should supersede globalist agendas. His policies, whether in the realms of trade, foreign relations, or domestic affairs, seek to prioritize American workers, industries, and values. Much like Fichte’s vision for a self-reliant and self-sustaining Germany, rooted in linguistic unity, Trump champions America’s economic independence through domestic manufacturing. Both leaders are thus positioned as proponents of national self-sufficiency against external dependencies.

The Education Imperative: Fichte’s Vision and Trump’s Strategy

One of the cornerstones of Fichte’s addresses was the role of education. He argued that the German people could only truly unite if they shared a common educational framework, one that inculcated a sense of national pride and duty. For Fichte, education was the crucible in which the German soul would be forged and refined. He propagated an education that was not merely academic but also moral and transcendental, aiming to cultivate both individual self-awareness and collective responsibility.

In a similar vein, Trump emphasizes the importance of education in shaping America’s future. His administration championed school choice, arguing that parents should have the freedom to choose the educational avenues best suited for their children. By promoting a more decentralized approach to education, Trump is trying to break the monotony of a one-size-fits-all curriculum and reignite the spirit of American ingenuity and self-reliance.

Conclusion: Two Epochs, One Enduring Spirit

To the casual observer, Fichte and Trump might appear as figures rooted in their respective epochs, bound by the unique challenges and contexts of their times. However, a deeper examination reveals striking parallels. Both leaders emerged during periods of national upheaval and uncertainty. Both tapped into a deep-seated yearning for renewal and reclamation. Both championed the cause of the Volk – whether it be the German populace yearning for unity or the American silent majority seeking recognition.

In championing their causes, both Fichte and Trump faced their share of detractors. Yet, their messages resonate because they speak to timeless truths: the importance of national identity, the role of the people in shaping their destiny, and the belief in a brighter, grander future.

Trump’s populist rise and Fichte’s soil-based addresses remind us that the spirit of a nation, its essence and ethos, endures through the ages. Leaders may come and go, but the yearning for identity, pride, and purpose remains a constant, reverberating through the annals of history.