The Art of the Deal, The Arts of Democracy: Trump, Dewey, and Democracy

Nancy Love

doi:10.32855/fcapital.202001.002

Abstract

Donald Trump’s politics has been variously described as “neoliberal,” “nationalist,” “authoritarian,” “populist,” and even “fascist,” and all these descriptors are appropriate in some respects. In this article, I explore the linkages between Trump, neoliberalism, and fascism through what may seem an unlikely aspect of his politics, that is, his artistry as a candidate and now the president. In elevating deal-making to an art form, Trump is not unique. Fascist leaders have long fancied themselves as artists and regarded politics as an art form. I argue that Trump’s “art of the deal” materializes and normalizes the aesthetics of neoliberal capitalism; it mirrors the superficial chaos and structural inequalities of the global neoliberalism. To illustrate my argument, I consider how Trump deals in buildings, crowds, and walls. I conclude that Trump’s presidency raises the question whether Deweyan arts of democracy can still triumph over the art of the deal.

Highlights

“A Trump building is like someone has planted a gold bar, instead of a flag, in unclaimed land.” --Nick Hilton (2018)
I explore the linkages between Trump, neoliberalism, and fascism through what may seem an unlikely aspect of his politics, that is, his artistry as a candidate and as the president
Sontag claims that a deep longing for aspects of fascist aesthetics persists in the guise of romanticism among many liberal democrats

Summary

Introduction

“A Trump building is like someone has planted a gold bar, instead of a flag, in unclaimed land.” --Nick Hilton (2018). Enter Donald Trump, who says, “deals are my art form.” How does Trump’s “art of the deal” mirror the superficial chaos and structural inequalities of neoliberalism? Trump attributes the deal-making ability that helps him create buildings – and public policies -- to his gut, his instincts, even his DNA, more than his intelligence.

Results

Conclusion