The Inevitable Bond: How Boris Johnson and Donald Trump Shared a Reluctant Alliance
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson was among a select group of world leaders who were in close alignment with former US President Donald Trump. This alliance was not based on shared democratic values but rather on a common interest in ideology and political opportunism. Join us as we delve into the reasons behind this surprising alliance, the shared characteristics of these leaders, and the impact of their bond.
The Brexiteers' Unlikely Alliance
The rise of support for Brexit and the election of Donald Trump were two interconnected phenomena that resonated with right-wing and populist movements across the globe. Brexiteers in the UK saw a common link between the factors that led to the UK's decision to leave the European Union (EU) and the success of Trump’s campaign.
In 2018, Jacob Rees-Mogg, a key proponent of Brexit, wrote in The Times:
“It is our national good fortune that the president with whom we will develop this new arrangement is Mr Trump. His election depended on similar factors to those that led to Brexit.”
Boris Johnson, as then Mayor of London, echoed these sentiments, expressing admiration for Trump:
“If Trump can fix North Korea and the Iran nuclear deal, then I don’t see why he’s any less of a candidate for the Nobel Peace Prize than Barack Obama.”
While theBgov`d current sentiment may find this statement questionable, it underscores the initial alignment between these leaders.
Aglow and Divisive Leadership
Despite Boris Johnson’s initial optimism, the reality of dealing with Donald Trump did not live up to expectations. One of the critical moments that fell between promise and reality was the scandal involving then-British Ambassador to Washington, Kim Darroch. In 2019, Darroch wrote confidential cables describing Trump as 'inept', 'insecure', and 'incompetent,' warning of the possible disgrace that could befall the US president. These cables were leaked and used as ammunition for Trump to call Darroch a 'stupid guy' and 'pompous fool.'
Boris Johnson, later becoming Foreign Secretary at the time, was criticized for not coming out in support of Darroch, who eventually resigned. It seems the fear of losing favor with Trump overshadowed the need for principled support.
The Ideological Synergy and Pathological Traits
Boris Johnson and Donald Trump were not just leaders who happened to share some similar policies. They were connected by a shared ideology and the same kind of traits that resonated with their respective political bases.
Both leaders exhibit a certain degree of pathological lying and a penchant for mythomania. They often say contradictory things within the same sentence and operate with a lack of consistency. Additionally, both were connected to Russian figures through Steve Bannon, further complicating their political affiliations.
The political journey of Boris Johnson and Donald Trump has been a testament to the dangers of political opportunism and the blurring of lines between democratic and fascist ideologies. While Boris hoped for a US-UK free-trade agreement from Trump, the reality remains that such a deal did not materialize. This highlights the myopic nature of short-term political gains over the importance of principled governance.
In conclusion, the bond between Boris Johnson and Donald Trump was based on a misguided sense of shared ideology and political advantages. As we reflect on their relationship, it is clear that both leaders illustrated the perils of aligning with figures who share a common interest, rather than a shared commitment to democratic principles.
Key Takeaways:
Boris Johnson and Donald Trump shared a common political alignment and ideological synergy. Both leaders exhibited similar traits of lying, inconsistency, and mythomania. The alliance was built on a belief that shared political factors led to their rise to power.