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Writer's pictureOliver Clark

Donald Trump: The Face of America's Reckoning and Catalyst for Necessary Change

Throughout American history, specific figures have embodied their time and symbolized deeper, enduring cultural currents. Donald Trump is one such figure. His rise to political prominence encapsulates many of the United States' long-standing social, political, and cultural tensions. Trump’s ascent is deeply rooted in America’s historical obsession with wealthy white men, serving as a figurehead for those who cling to power in an era of rapid change. As Pluto moves into Aquarius, signaling the destruction of old systems, Trump’s dominance may represent the final chapter of a cultural era that has favored privilege, wealth, and inequality over progress.


A Product of Privilege: Trump’s Rise and Mentors

Trump’s image as a self-made billionaire is a distortion of reality. His rise is not the product of sheer determination but of inherited wealth and privilege, a hallmark of the very class of wealthy white men who have long held power in America. Trump's father, Fred Trump, was a successful real estate mogul who laid the financial and strategic groundwork for Donald’s career. Fred Trump passed on wealth and influence, allowing Donald to cultivate an empire built on the privileges that were denied to many Americans, especially marginalized communities.  (https://amp.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/mar/26/donald-trump-fred-trump-father-relationship-business-real-estate-art-of-deal).


In addition to his father, Trump’s most notorious mentor was Roy Cohn, a lawyer infamous for his involvement in McCarthyism. Cohn, who later became Trump’s legal adviser, was known for his ruthless, cutthroat tactics and moral ambiguity. Cohn’s shameless embrace of power through manipulation and law-bending became the blueprint for Trump’s approach to business and politics.  Cohn helped mold Trump's combative style, defiance of norms, and willingness to stoke divisions to maintain control.


The Baby Boomer Legacy: Trump’s Political Base

Trump’s political rise can largely be attributed to the support of Baby Boomers, a generation born between 1946 and 1964. This generation came of age during a period of unprecedented economic prosperity in America and built wealth through systems that often excluded minorities and marginalized communities. Many Baby Boomers have grown resistant to the changes brought about by globalization, automation, and demographic shifts, fearing a loss of the economic and social dominance they had enjoyed.  (https://theintercept.com/2024/02/05/trump-baby-boomer-generation/).


Trump’s campaign slogan, “Make America Great Again,” appealed to this nostalgia for when white, masculine power was largely unchallenged. His promise to revive coal jobs, cut immigration, and undo progressive social policies was tailored to a demographic that saw him as a protector of their waning privileges. For these Boomers, Trump represented a last stand for a fading status quo.


Xennials: A Generation on the Brink of Change

While Baby Boomers fueled Trump’s ascent, Xennials—those born between Generation X and Millennials—represent a growing disillusionment with the current political and social order. Xennials came of age during a period of immense societal change: the rise of the internet, the end of the Cold War, and the fallout from the 9/11 attacks. These experiences have left them uniquely positioned to understand both the world of power figures like Trump and the need for a more equitable vision of the future (https://eu.indystar.com/story/news/2017/11/09/caught-between-millennials-and-generation-x-youre-xennial/848833001/).


However, Xennials are often disillusioned and exhausted by the system's failures. Having seen economic promises of stability and growth crumble, many have become apathetic about political engagement. Yet, Pluto's move into Aquarius in 2024 signals a cosmic call for this generation to step up. This astrological shift represents the dismantling of old systems and the birth of radical transformation, making it a prime time for Xennials to become agents of change, challenging the entrenched systems of power that have allowed figures like Trump to rise (https://www.thecut.com/2024/01/pluto-moving-into-aquarius-2024-meaning.html).


The American Reckoning: Race, Power, and Inequality

Trump’s rise to power is not only a reflection of America’s fascination with wealthy white men but also of the country's unresolved issues with race, class, and inequality. For most of its history, America has been dominated by white male elites who leveraged their wealth to maintain control over political, economic, and social systems. Trump’s rhetoric and policies often stoked racial resentment and capitalized on xenophobia, exacerbating long-standing divisions in the country.  (https://www.poynter.org/commentary/2024/donald-trump-nationality-ethnicity-racist-language/).


As the U.S. continues its demographic shift toward becoming a majority-minority nation, Trump’s presidency can be seen as a manifestation of the fear and resistance to this inevitable change. His presidency highlighted the deep fractures in America’s approach to race, wealth, and power, reinforcing the need for a national reckoning with its history of exclusion and exploitation of marginalized groups.  (https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2023/09/systemic-racism-pervades-us-police-and-justice-systems-un-mechanism-racial).


Pluto in Aquarius: A Shift Toward Revolution

Astrologically, Pluto’s entry into Aquarius in 2024 marks a significant shift. Pluto, the planet of transformation, signals a period of destruction and rebirth, where the old systems of power that have governed society begin to crumble. Aquarius is associated with revolution, progress, and humanitarianism. This transit will likely usher in a new era where wealth, race, and power are redistributed in ways that challenge traditional hierarchies.  (https://www.moonomens.com/pluto-in-capricorn/).


This shift presents an opportunity for the U.S. to dismantle the rigid structures that have long allowed wealthy white men to dominate. It will require a collective effort to embrace equity, inclusivity, and justice, breaking away from systems of oppression that have defined American society for centuries. The cultural moment is ripe for radical change but demands active participation from the younger generations.


The Future of America: Reconciliation and Renewal

America's future depends on its ability to reconcile the divisions that figures like Trump have exploited. The country must come to terms with its history of racism, exclusion, and classism. The failure to address these deep-seated issues has allowed inequality to persist and fester, creating a landscape ripe for leaders like Trump to thrive.


The younger generations—Xennials, Millennials, and Gen Z—are positioned to lead this transformation. However, they must overcome their disillusionment and apathy and step into leadership roles to challenge the structures that uphold white male dominance. The era of Pluto in Aquarius signals a turning point where the country can finally embrace the radical change necessary to create a more just and inclusive society (https://wou.edu/westernhowl/generation-of-disillusionment/).



Donald Trump is the embodiment of America’s long-standing obsession with wealthy white men, a figurehead for a country grappling with its legacy of inequality and power. His rise, bolstered by privilege and the fears of Baby Boomers, represents the final breath of a system that has historically favored the powerful while marginalizing the vulnerable. However, as Pluto enters Aquarius, the U.S. is poised for a transformative reckoning that could dismantle old structures and usher in a more equitable society. Xennials and younger generations hold the key to this transformation, but only if they are willing to rise from apathy and actively fight for a more just future.  (https://www.catherineurban.com/blog/pluto-in-aquarius-part-ii-a-historical-evalutation-of-prior-pluto-in-aquarius-eras?format=amp).


References:

1. Trump and Baby Boomers

2. Fred Trump’s Influence



4. Pluto in Aquarius



6. Trump’s Xenophobia]



Disclaimer:

This article was generated with the assistance of AI technology and should not be considered the original work or opinion of the author. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, it may contain factual inaccuracies, omissions, or interpretations that do not reflect the author's personal views. For further research or verification, please refer to the linked sources or conduct an independent investigation.


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