SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Former President Donald Trump continues to draw parallels between himself and Abraham Lincoln, frequently praising and criticizing the 16th president in a manner that has captivated public attention. Commenting on Lincoln’s legacy during a video introduction for his “Trump digital trading cards” in December 2022, Trump declared, “This is Donald Trump, hopefully your favorite president of all time, better than Lincoln, better than Washington.”
Throughout his political discourse, Trump often invokes Lincoln’s name, claiming to have faced challenges greater than Lincoln and asserting his contributions to the Black community exceed those of any president since Lincoln. This rhetoric forms part of Trump’s distinctive speaking style, characterized by its blend of cultural references, warnings about political opponents like Vice President Kamala Harris, personal grievances, and self-promotion.
On October 13, Trump criticized Harris, saying, “What the hell is wrong with our country? Look, we used to have the greatest — Abraham Lincoln. Now look at this stuff. Can you believe what we’re doing? She’s so bad.” In a separate event, responding to a child’s question about his favorite president, Trump named Ronald Reagan but pivoted to Lincoln, questioning why the Civil War was not resolved peacefully.
Harold Holzer, a respected Lincoln biographer, highlighted the complications of Trump’s references to Lincoln, noting, “The trouble with Trump’s use of Lincoln is that it’s kind of malice toward some, and then malice toward many and ultimately, even malice toward Lincoln.” Many political figures have admired Lincoln, but typically without directly comparing themselves to him.
Presidential scholar Justin Vaughn remarked on the unique nature of Trump’s historical references, noting, “It’s often less nuanced or delicate.” Trump’s approach extends beyond Lincoln; he has included comparisons to Jimmy Carter, illustrating his tendency to reshape historical narratives to bolster his own legacy.
Trump maintains that he has achieved significant progress for Black Americans, citing his initiatives on criminal justice reform and opportunity zones. In contrast, Lincoln’s most enduring legacy is the Emancipation Proclamation, a landmark document that initiated the end of slavery and established him as the Great Emancipator.
Experts suggest that Lincoln’s self-effacing manner would likely render him wary of the comparisons being made today. Reflecting on Lincoln’s humble nature, Holzer pointed out that even skilled negotiators of his time struggled to resolve the looming conflicts, hinting that the Civil War may have been inevitable in the larger context of American history.
As the debate over historical legacies continues, Trump’s fascination with Lincoln highlights the complexities of modern political rhetoric and its impact on collective memory.
