The 'Great Man' Presidency

Alexander the Great. Julius Caesar. Napoleon Bonaparte. Donald Trump

The Atlantic staff writers Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer reported this week on the president privately comparing himself to the three norm-defying, world-historical figures highlighted in the work of the German philosopher Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel. 

The president has also sought to make his mark across seemingly every manner of federal real estate, including national monuments and even currency and passports.

If Trump’s focus is on himself as a great man of history, what is he doing—and, more notably perhaps, not doing—as president today?

Read Ashley and Michael's article: “The YOLO Presidency.”

- - -

Get more from your favorite Atlantic voices when you subscribe. You’ll enjoy unlimited access to Pulitzer-winning journalism, from clear-eyed analysis and insight on breaking news to fascinating explorations of our world. Atlantic subscribers also get access to exclusive subscriber audio in Apple Podcasts. Subscribe today at TheAtlantic.com/Listener.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices