Contrasting Leadership Styles: Washington and Trump

Recently, I visited Mount Vernon for the first time as an adult. It’s surprising since my hometown is named after George Washington. This visit revealed interesting details about Washington, including his dentures, which weren’t wooden. They were crafted from human, horse, and cow teeth, constantly causing him pain and anxiety about them flying out.

Ron Chernow, the Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of George Washington, shared insights into Washington’s character. Chernow emphasized Washington’s discretion and modesty. Washington avoided self-promotion, a stark contrast to Donald Trump, known for his constant self-aggrandizement.

The 250th birthday of America highlights these differences vividly. Washington refused monarchy, embodying the principles of a public servant. This contrasts sharply with Trump’s recent rhetoric. Signing a presidential memorandum, Trump commented, “We rule by common sense, to a large extent.” This statement reflects a misunderstanding of governance, where one governs, not rules.

Trump also commented on the heat during his Independence Day speech, boasting, “I’m going to make a really long speech, just to show that I can do anything.” This highlights the contrast in leadership styles between Washington and Trump. The Father of the Country pursued duty without complaint, while current leadership focuses on self-display.