Donald Trump's Influence from Ayn Rand: Evidence and Discussions

President Donald Trump has often been compared to the works and philosophy of Ayn Rand, an influential author known for her advocacy of capitalism and individualism. This article delves into the question of whether Trump has been influenced by Ayn Rand, examining evidence that suggests he may have read some of her books, while also discussing his general reading habits and possible indirect influences.

Trump's Reading Habits and Intellectual Curiosity

Donald Trump is not known for spending time with books for leisure. In fact, there is little to no evidence that he has read any of Ayn Rand's extensive works. According to his biographies and public statements, Trump is more focused on TV and business dealings rather than engaging in deep intellectual pursuits.

While it is possible that Trump may have read some of Rand's shorter works, given the books left to him by his father, it is unlikely that he has read any of her complete books. This is underscored by the fact that he repeatedly contradicts himself and others in his public statements, which could be attributed to a lack of intellectual curiosity or a tendency to make up information without proper understanding.

Evidence and Public Statements

In a 2016 interview, Trump mentioned his admiration for Atlas Shrugged, one of Rand's most famous works. However, he did not specify if he had read the book or watched the film adaptation. Similarly, he expressed admiration for Howard Roark, a character from Rand's The Fountainhead, but did not indicate whether he had seen the movie or read the book.

Harrison Pope, a psychiatrist specializing in eating disorders, commented in a Psychology Today article that Trump might have absorbed some of Rand's ideas without reading her books directly. This hypothesis suggests that influence could come from indirect exposure to her works through media, speeches, or other public figures who cite her ideas.

Personal Characteristics and Intellectual Lifestyle

Trump's lack of literacy in civics and understanding of the Constitution speaks to a broader pattern of intellectual disinterest. His background, having been sent to a military school and not completing his education, does not emphasize reading or study. Additionally, his tendency to struggle with reading teleprompters indicates a general discomfort with written material.

It is noteworthy that while Trump might not have read Ayn Rand's complete works, he certainly embodies some of the principles she advocated. Both Rand and Trump are known for their support of unrestrained capitalism and a focus on selfishness, traits that could be seen as aligned with Rand's philosophy. Furthermore, both leaders exhibit narcissistic tendencies, a similarity that could support the idea that Trump has been influenced by Rand's ideas, even if not directly through reading.

Conclusion

While there is no definitive evidence that Donald Trump has read Ayn Rand's complete works, it is possible that he has absorbed some of her ideas through indirect exposure. His public statements and personal characteristics suggest an alignment with certain principles that Rand championed. However, his overall lack of literary engagement and intellectual curiosity makes it unlikely that he deeply engaged with her extensive philosophical works.

References

Harrison Pope, "Does Donald Trump Read Books?", Psychology Today, accessed 2023,