Trump’s Relentless Self-Promotion Fosters an American Cult of Personality

NYT Homepage

by Peter Baker

February 15, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

President Trump has taken self-promotion to unprecedented levels during his presidency, cultivating a larger-than-life persona that blurs the lines between reality and myth. By positioning himself as a godlike figure—depicted as everything from Superman to a "King of the Jungle"—Trump has fostered a cult of personality that is unmatched in American history. This relentless self-aggrandizement extends beyond traditional political branding, with efforts including pushing for the display of portraits in prestigious institutions and commissioning grandiose statues like the 15-foot bronze statue "Don Colossus" at his Florida golf complex. Trump's second term has seen him doubling down on this strategy, using platforms to promote himself as an omnipresent force both domestically and globally. While previous presidents have also sought to shape their public image, Trump's approach is uniquely extreme, with a focus on creating a mythologized, superhuman persona that borders on idolatry. This includes efforts like pressuring the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery to showcase supporter-created portraits of him, as well as having cryptocurrency investors fund a gold-covered bronze statue in his likeness. The implications of this self-promotional campaign are significant, particularly for American democracy. By elevating himself above others and fostering a cult-like following, Trump is setting a dangerous precedent that could erode public trust in institutions and normalize the blending of politics with personal mythology. This strategy not only risks distorting the perception of reality but also raises concerns about the long-term impact on governance and public discourse.

Verticals

newsgeneral

Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/15/2026