The single hero complex
Trump has always moved to kick down successful stories that do not pay homage to him. It does not matter if he is rightly owed credit or not – if he is not a part of it, the president most likely thinks that story is not as good as people make it.
In attempts to portray himself as the savior of Black people, Trump has intentionally insulted heroes who have earned their stripe through years of public service. But we must understand this is in lockstep with Trump’s view that the space is too small for more than one hero.
His famously thin skin holds him back from embracing those who are not worshipful of him but with whom he may share similar goals. And that in of itself is a major impediment to coming across as a friend of Black people when you cannot accept Black people’s criticisms.
The late congressmen, Elijah Cummings and John Lewis, were useful enemies for the president’s ego in this vein. To Trump, the two men could not care as much about Black people as he did.
