Trump's mafia-like methods

Of the "Shut up, piggy" to a journalist to ask an uncomfortable question, in the defense of an authoritarian prince and the trivialization of the murder of a dissident journalist. This week, Donald Trump has once again displayed mafia-like methods. In fact, these practices have already become a defining feature of his second presidential term.

Trump wields power through public intimidation, insults, and humiliation. He punishes those who question him—journalists and politicians, even from his own party—and rewards personal loyalty. This behavior is complemented by forms of extortion, both direct and tacit, such as those he has exerted on universities, companies, and critical politicians, as well as by the protection of powerful figures who flatter him and shower him and his family with money.

This Tuesday, in the Oval Office, he attacked ABC television reporter Mary Bruce after she questioned Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the murder of the columnist for Washington PostJamal Khashoggi. Trump immediately defended his guest, whom he called a "great friend and a very respected person"—despite the fact that the The CIA has concluded that the heir to the Saudi monarchy ordered Khashoggi's death—and lashed out at Bruce. "You're a terrible journalist," she told her, after asserting that The murdered columnist was an "extremely controversial" figure. And that, whether you like it or not, "these things happen."

This interaction came days after Trump, aboard Air Force One, had interrupted Catherine Lucey, Bloomberg correspondent, with the insult "because", when I tried to ask about the files of the late businessman and sex offender Jeffrey EpsteinHis insults and disparaging remarks—often directed at women, showing a pattern of misogyny—are not isolated incidents, but part of his behavior. modus operandiHis style doesn't stem from temperamental eccentricity or the frankness that appeals to his followers, but from a recognizable logic: that of a mafia boss who demands loyalty and punishes dissent.

Threats and blackmail

Many Companies and countries have ultimately given in to this leadership.His threats—tariffs, regulations contrary to his interests, and the withdrawal of state aid—have provoked gestures of homage: luxury gifts, such as a gold plaque or a Rolex watch, and even multimillion-dollar investments, all to win his favor and secure favorable treatment. Trump's behavior reveals authoritarian tendencies, although he cannot be described as authoritarian in the classical sense. Authoritarianism, as defined by the American political scientist Robert Dahl, is characterized by power concentrated in a leader who limits political participation, weakens institutional control mechanisms, and seeks submission—a regime that Spain commemorated, and some whitewashed, this week the 50th anniversary of Franco's deathHowever, this approach, typical of mafia bosses, based on demagoguery, the demonization of opponents, and contempt for institutional checks and balances—manifest in his attacks on the free press and the judiciary, and the erosion of democratic processes—fits better with the concept of competitive authoritarianism. These competitive authoritarian leaders maintain democratic forms in appearance, but systematically weaken the mechanisms that protect political freedom. And this is what Trump does day after day, unabashedly and with fewer restrictions than ever before.