Donald J. Trump and The Mule

20 March 2025

Source

Donald J. Trump is similar to science fiction writer Isaac Asimov’s fictional character, the Mule, who appeared in the books Foundation and Empire (1952) and Second Foundation (1953). These science fiction stories were about a future Galactic Empire containing millions of populated planets.

The Mule:

• Could alter peoples’ loyalties and emotions:

  He could convert his enemies to loyal followers, brainwash populations and sow despair. This made him seemingly invincible to all opponents. This, of course, is similar to Donald Trump.

• Grew up in a troubled household and had physical deformities that made others consider him a “mutant”:

  “It was not possible for me to lead a normal childhood. My mother died before she saw me. I do not know my father. I grew up haphazard, wounded and tortured in mind, full of self-pity and hatred of others. I was known then as a queer child. All avoided me; most out of dislike; some out of fear. Queer incidents occurred—Well, never mind!” [Foundation and Empire (p. 235). Kindle Edition]

  Donald Trump also had a troubled childhood (although the details differ) and was never as popular as he wanted to be. He was so desperate to be popular that he allegedly pretended he was someone else so he could brag to the media about how great Donald Trump was.

• Had a desire to dominate due in part to his miserable childhood:

  “But the consciousness of power came, and with it, the desire to make up for the miserable position of my earlier life. Maybe you can understand it. Maybe you can try to understand it. It isn’t easy to be a freak—to have a mind and an understanding and be a freak. Laughter and cruelty! To be different! To be an outsider! “You’ve never been through it!. . . But I eventually did learn, and I decided that the Galaxy and I could take turns. Come, they had had their innings, and I had been patient about it—for twenty-two years. My turn! It would be up to the rest of you to take it! And the odds would be fair enough for the Galaxy. One of me! Quadrillions of them!” [Foundation and Empire (p. 236). Kindle Edition]

  “What will you do? Fatten me? Restore me to a masculine vigor? Take away from my past the long childhood in an alien environment? Do you regret my sufferings? Do you regret my unhappiness? I have no sorrow for what I did in my necessity. Let the Galaxy protect itself as best it can, since it stirred not a whit for my protection when I needed it.” [Second Foundation (p. 73). Kindle Edition]

• Was obsessed with conquering the world:

  “There was a sudden surge of rebellion within him—strong and brutal. Not a portion of the Galaxy must be denied him.” [Second Foundation (p. 13). Kindle Edition]

  “Every star! Every star he could see—and every star he couldn’t see. It must all be his! Revenge on all. On a humanity of which he wasn’t a part. On a Galaxy in which he didn’t fit.” [Second Foundation (pp. 13-14). Kindle Edition]

  I believe that Trump and the Mule were similarly compensating for their miserable upbringing by wanting to dominate the world and exact revenge on everyone. This certainly seems true for Trump. He has no plan for his Presidency other than to enrich himself, punish his enemies, rule the planet and make the world bow down to his authority.

• The Mule was defeated by a group of psychologists who could also alter emotions. This is not possible for Trump. Instead, we must:

  • Become more politically active. I suggest working one hour a week on a cause that strengthens democracy. Some possibilities are listed here.

  • Be more principled in how we spend money. Support small businesses and avoid big businesses, particularly those associated with Trump, Musk or Murdoch, or who pay excessive amounts to their upper management. High CEO pay keeps prices higher and wages lower for the company.

  • Watch media that strives to tell the truth and admits when it errs. Avoid media that supported Trump and his lies.

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