The Terrifying and Absurd Truth of Trump's Presidency

The past few years have been a surreal and horrific experience, as the presidency of Donald Trump has unfolded before our eyes. Commentators have often dismissed his clownishness and lack of ideology as somehow making him less dangerous, but they couldn't be more wrong. Trump's time in office has revealed the depths of darkness and cruelty that can take hold in the highest echelons of power.

As I reflect on this period, a kaleidoscope of disturbing images flashes through my mind - characters from movies, snippets of literature, and iconic works of art, all depicting an exaggerated, almost kitschy evil. These seem to be standing in for the real carnage my brain is trying to process: the bodies pulled from the rubble in Gaza, a school full of young pupils blown apart in Iran, the more than 1 million people in southern Lebanon expelled en masse from their homes. (The image of Alex in the film of A Clockwork Orange, eyes clamped open as liquid is dripped into them, unable to blink away what is scorching his vision, haunts me.)

Trump's presidency has been a terrifying and absurd reality that has shaken the foundations of democracy and moral decency. His actions and rhetoric have normalized a level of cruelty and callousness that we once thought unimaginable in the highest office of the land. The lack of ideology that some commentators have pointed to as a mitigating factor is, in fact, what makes his presidency so dangerous and unpredictable.

Instead of being guided by any coherent political philosophy or concern for the greater good, Trump has wielded power in a reckless, self-serving manner, driven by his own ego, greed, and vindictiveness. He has trampled on democratic norms, undermined the rule of law, and empowered the forces of hatred and division within American society.

The consequences of his actions have been devastating, both at home and abroad. From the cruel treatment of migrants and refugees to the rollback of environmental protections and the embrace of authoritarian leaders around the world, Trump's presidency has left a trail of destruction in its wake.

As we grapple with the legacy of this deeply troubling era, it's important to confront the harsh realities that have been laid bare. The absurdity and cruelty of Trump's presidency are not simply the product of a clownish figure, but a reflection of the darker impulses that can take hold in the heart of power when it is wielded without conscience or concern for the common good.

We must learn from this experience and recommit ourselves to the values of democracy, justice, and human rights that are the bedrock of a just and equitable society. Only by facing the harsh truths of this period and working tirelessly to prevent its recurrence can we hope to build a future that is truly worthy of the ideals we hold dear.

Nesrine Malik is a Guardian columnist.