There are two dichotomous definitions of nationalism — one being patriotism, and the other being globalism with an emphasis on state sovereignty. President Trump recently called himself a nationalist and claimed to be aligned with the first definition, but in doing so, he disregarded all the contexts that define the word “nationalism” in today’s political discourse.
Nationalism was a tool used for the unification of Germany that led to the start of World War II. It was continually used throughout the war as justification and eventually led to the tragedies of the Holocaust.
Groups like the Ku Klux Klan have rebranded themselves as white nationalists. This repulsive movement reared its ugly head in last year’s deadly “Unite the Right” rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Many people at the rally described themselves as Nazis, and Trump responded to these rallies by famously stating that there were “very fine people” on both sides, implying that the Nazi sympathizer group included some “fine people.”
A year after the Charlottesville rally, Trump took to Twitter, claiming to “condemn all types of racism and acts of violence.” But many questioned the motive behind the tweet, as a “Unite the Right” rally was expected to take place in D.C. that day.
How can Trump label himself a nationalist when the term has repeatedly been used to justify hate and bigotry?
Recently 11 people at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh fell victim to a shooter who reportedly frequented white nationalist websites, according to The New York Times. Yet Trump continually refuses to backtrack and admit that calling himself a nationalist does not have the same connotation as calling himself a patriot.
Could it simply be that Trump refuses to admit that he is wrong, or perhaps that he enjoys the attention? Or has he doubled down on his “Make America Great Again” campaign slogan that has emboldened individuals and groups to take the concept of American exceptionalism to an extreme level?
Trump’s inability to act presidential in the wake of tragedy will undoubtedly swing many purple districts blue. It will certainly solidify his supporters in their convictions. Is this what Trump wants? Do those who still support him also support nationalism? After years and years of nationalism supplementing racism and xenophobia, one has to question the intent and motivations behind those who still support Trump.
Disregarding the connotation that the word “nationalism” has taken on throughout history is ignorant. It’s dismissive of the tragedy and suffering that has been endured under the behest of the word.
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