Trump Declares Himself Emperor

17 February 2025, 09:16

Scott King

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
Trump is saying you have to break eggs to make an omelette. Considering the mess the Democrats have made of the kitchen the last few years he may need to break a lot of eggs.

If you get the vapors thinking that laws may be bruised to correct the bullshit path we’re on then you probably approved of the stuff O’Bumbles, Schumer and Pelosi pushed thru.

Remember that the Founding Fathers broke a law or two to get the US started. Hopefully we can get back on track without stacking quite as many bodies.

No Rick, Trump is seeking immunity squared and no Rick just because you disagree with a "ruler" doesn't mean you support the opposition. I think it's actually very wise, very healthy and patriotic to question and hold accountable our "rulers" unless their name is Khomeini or Hussein or Putin.

The Founding Fathers were guilty of treason against the Crown and of course most of us here think that was the right thing to do. That you think there's a parallel between our Revolutionary War and Trump's social media rants makes me wonder about your loyalty.

Rick, is there a size of stacked bodies of your fellow Americans you'd accept and would you be willing to elaborate on which american laws you think should be broken?

Thanks in advance.

First off Trump isn’t a “ruler” he’s an elected official. The “king/ruler/dictater/NAZI” slurs are just getting old and petty.

The current climate has made it evident that we as a country are divided and the Left has used the courts to impede Trump’s (and the millions who voted for him) agenda to move back to a more conservative stature.

Trump & Company aren’t so much “breaking laws” as defying the current interpretation of laws by leftist judges.

I really don’t give a rat’s ass where you think my loyalties lie. I’ve sworn to defend the Constitution several times in my life and as far as I can see you’re just some liberal tard on social media.

"Ruler" has been a bit of a standing joke around here for a while, Saeed has referred to our elected officials as such for decades. I think it's funny so I go along.

I'm not an attorney or a judge, but I think if you are "defying the current interpretation of the laws by leftist judges" that is actually breaking the law. I'm starting to get the impression that you might think the Capital Police were "leftist police", so it wasn't really a crime to assault them on January 6th.

Rick, I hope I can look forward to your resounding defeat.

17 February 2025, 09:37

Rick R

quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
Trump is saying you have to break eggs to make an omelette. Considering the mess the Democrats have made of the kitchen the last few years he may need to break a lot of eggs.

If you get the vapors thinking that laws may be bruised to correct the bullshit path we’re on then you probably approved of the stuff O’Bumbles, Schumer and Pelosi pushed thru.

Remember that the Founding Fathers broke a law or two to get the US started. Hopefully we can get back on track without stacking quite as many bodies.

No Rick, Trump is seeking immunity squared and no Rick just because you disagree with a "ruler" doesn't mean you support the opposition. I think it's actually very wise, very healthy and patriotic to question and hold accountable our "rulers" unless their name is Khomeini or Hussein or Putin.

The Founding Fathers were guilty of treason against the Crown and of course most of us here think that was the right thing to do. That you think there's a parallel between our Revolutionary War and Trump's social media rants makes me wonder about your loyalty.

Rick, is there a size of stacked bodies of your fellow Americans you'd accept and would you be willing to elaborate on which american laws you think should be broken?

Thanks in advance.

First off Trump isn’t a “ruler” he’s an elected official. The “king/ruler/dictater/NAZI” slurs are just getting old and petty.

The current climate has made it evident that we as a country are divided and the Left has used the courts to impede Trump’s (and the millions who voted for him) agenda to move back to a more conservative stature.

Trump & Company aren’t so much “breaking laws” as defying the current interpretation of laws by leftist judges.

I really don’t give a rat’s ass where you think my loyalties lie. I’ve sworn to defend the Constitution several times in my life and as far as I can see you’re just some liberal tard on social media.

"Ruler" has been a bit of a standing joke around here for a while, Saeed has referred to our elected officials as such for decades. I think it's funny so I go along.

I'm not an attorney or a judge, but I think if you are "defying the current interpretation of the laws by leftist judges" that is actually breaking the law. I'm starting to get the impression that you might think the Capital Police were "leftist police", so it wasn't really a crime to assault them on January 6th.

Rick, I hope I can look forward to your resounding defeat.

Scott,
We aren’t discussing the actions of any of the parties culpable for January 6th. You can fuck right off and start another thread about that fiasco.

Mike,

Judges and attorneys take ages to sort out what is “constitutional” in the end the side that writes the history books (online blogs?) will decide if Trump’s actions were right or wrong and probably after we’re both worm food.

17 February 2025, 10:24

Steve Bertram

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
Trump is saying you have to break eggs to make an omelette. Considering the mess the Democrats have made of the kitchen the last few years he may need to break a lot of eggs.

If you get the vapors thinking that laws may be bruised to correct the bullshit path we’re on then you probably approved of the stuff O’Bumbles, Schumer and Pelosi pushed thru.

Remember that the Founding Fathers broke a law or two to get the US started. Hopefully we can get back on track without stacking quite as many bodies.

No Rick, Trump is seeking immunity squared and no Rick just because you disagree with a "ruler" doesn't mean you support the opposition. I think it's actually very wise, very healthy and patriotic to question and hold accountable our "rulers" unless their name is Khomeini or Hussein or Putin.

The Founding Fathers were guilty of treason against the Crown and of course most of us here think that was the right thing to do. That you think there's a parallel between our Revolutionary War and Trump's social media rants makes me wonder about your loyalty.

Rick, is there a size of stacked bodies of your fellow Americans you'd accept and would you be willing to elaborate on which american laws you think should be broken?

Thanks in advance.

First off Trump isn’t a “ruler” he’s an elected official. The “king/ruler/dictater/NAZI” slurs are just getting old and petty.

The current climate has made it evident that we as a country are divided and the Left has used the courts to impede Trump’s (and the millions who voted for him) agenda to move back to a more conservative stature.

Trump & Company aren’t so much “breaking laws” as defying the current interpretation of laws by leftist judges.

I really don’t give a rat’s ass where you think my loyalties lie. I’ve sworn to defend the Constitution several times in my life and as far as I can see you’re just some liberal tard on social media.

"Ruler" has been a bit of a standing joke around here for a while, Saeed has referred to our elected officials as such for decades. I think it's funny so I go along.

I'm not an attorney or a judge, but I think if you are "defying the current interpretation of the laws by leftist judges" that is actually breaking the law. I'm starting to get the impression that you might think the Capital Police were "leftist police", so it wasn't really a crime to assault them on January 6th.

Rick, I hope I can look forward to your resounding defeat.

Scott,
We aren’t discussing the actions of any of the parties culpable for January 6th. You can fuck right off and start another thread about that fiasco.

Mike,

Judges and attorneys take ages to sort out what is “constitutional” in the end the side that writes the history books (online blogs?) will decide if Trump’s actions were right or wrong and probably after we’re both worm food.

The rational of Trumptards like Rick boggle the mind. My side can commit crimes, its fine, we are saving America, the laws don't apply to us, it's fine I have sworn to uphold the constitution several times in my life so I know what's best for the leftists.

A perfect example of what is wrong with politics in America today. Thanks for contributing Rick.

17 February 2025, 10:46

Scott King

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
[
Scott,
We aren’t discussing the actions of any of the parties culpable for January 6th. You can fuck right off and start another thread about that fiasco.

Well fuck you too Rick. I noticed you made pathetic excuses for breaking the law as interpreted by leftist judges. I guess you've labeled yourself a traitor.

Noted and will remember you as such.

17 February 2025, 18:08

Magine Enigam

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
Trump is saying you have to break eggs to make an omelette. Considering the mess the Democrats have made of the kitchen the last few years he may need to break a lot of eggs.

If you get the vapors thinking that laws may be bruised to correct the bullshit path we’re on then you probably approved of the stuff O’Bumbles, Schumer and Pelosi pushed thru.

Remember that the Founding Fathers broke a law or two to get the US started. Hopefully we can get back on track without stacking quite as many bodies.

quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
Rick, is there a size of stacked bodies of your fellow Americans you'd accept and would you be willing to elaborate on which american laws you think should be broken?

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
The current climate has made it evident that we as a country are divided and the Left has used the courts to impede Trump’s (and the millions who voted for him) agenda to move back to a more conservative stature.

Trump & Company aren’t so much “breaking laws” as defying the current interpretation of laws by leftist judges.

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:

Mike,

Judges and attorneys take ages to sort out what is “constitutional” in the end the side that writes the history books (online blogs?) will decide if Trump’s actions were right or wrong and probably after we’re both worm food.

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
No, you need to come to grips with the fact that the Clinton, Bush, Obama, O’Bumbles era is over...

quote:
Originally posted by Scott King:
Rick, I hope I can look forward to your resounding defeat.

quote:
Originally posted by Steve Bertram:

The rational of Trumptards like Rick boggle the mind. My side can commit crimes, its fine, we are saving America, the laws don't apply to us, it's fine I have sworn to uphold the constitution several times in my life so I know what's best for the leftists.

A perfect example of what is wrong with politics in America today. Thanks for contributing Rick.

quote:
Originally posted by Rick R:
...and the less than eloquent but quite popular orange dude is going to play Wreck It Ralph through the 50 year plan to Make America Behave.

I take it that the last quote above sums it up for Rick's belief/attitude/worldview. And IMO it perfectly represents MAGAdites.

Yes, the current era/regime is 50 or so years in the making, fomented to righteously make America and the World "behave". See Project 2025.

The analogy can't be ignored: "Honey, just look what you made me do".

WOW. And the MAGA folks blame the other side for the polarization.

17 February 2025, 19:04

MJines

Rick, I know it may be inconvenient when you want to blame "leftist judges" for not bending a knee to Trump, but the judge that ordered the extension of the order halting the Administration's plans to shut down USAID and freeze aid funding was appointed by Trump. And the judge that dissolved the temporary restraining order pausing efforts to push federal workers to resign was appointed by Clinton. The judge that ordered DHS to restore health-related webpages pulled down by the Administration was appointed by Bush. Judge Chutkan, who is hearing a case filed by states to declare DOGE unlawful, and the same judge that heard Trump's election interference case, has expressed skepticism that the states have met the burden of proof to shut down DOGE's work. As you can see, judges appointed by Republicans can be skeptical of the sweeping Executive Orders issued by the Administration and judges appointed by Democrats can be deferential to the sweeping Executive Orders. But grab your Power Rangers spoon and go enjoy another big bowl of Trumpist Tripe about the evils of the "leftist judges".

17 February 2025, 19:26

Rick R

So anyone who doesn’t share your manufactured angst over the fact that Trump woke up this morning is a “traitor” and the concept of “Make America Great Again” is only for the mentally ill?

I’ll be leaving this conversation before someone accuses me of turning them into a newt.

17 February 2025, 19:45

MJines

Good call Rick. When your argument gets exposed as specious, always best to strike the flag and retreat. Well played.

17 February 2025, 20:08

Jefffive

Why does the word "Quisling" come to mind?

17 February 2025, 20:21

Magine Enigam

Someone in another thread used the Allegory of the Cave. It may have been jeffee, but he used it wrong as I recall.

The thing I find most disturbing and perhaps disappointing is that even when presented a convincing argument, hard core MAGAdites don't learn. They just retreat to argue basically the same worldview again later.

It really is beyond sad. That's because it shows the rabbit hole of polarization, the affliction upon the nation.

This affliction has a long history in human nature:

AI Overview

"The hidden message of Plato's Cave is an escape from ignorance."

"Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" describes a group of prisoners chained in a cave, only able to see shadows cast on the wall from objects carried behind them, believing these shadows to be reality; when one prisoner escapes and ascends to the outside world, he is initially blinded by the sunlight but eventually sees the true world, only to return to the cave and struggle to convince the other prisoners of the true reality, who are resistant to believing him due to their limited perspective; this represents the idea that our senses can deceive us, and true knowledge lies in the realm of ideas, not just physical perception."

===========================================

I think ideology taints the perceptions of the prisoners of it, just like the cave, perhaps more so. The evidence of that idea is clear.

===========================================

https://www.google.com/search?...r3AE&sclient=gws-wiz

18 February 2025, 00:10

Gundog 64

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
. . . like roaches when the light comes on.

A lawyer using a cockroach as a comparison, now there is irony.

18 February 2025, 00:20

LHeym500

I infer from your response you agree Trump cannot break the law.

I mean a seating president has immunity for non official acts, but he will not be seating forever.

18 February 2025, 00:51

Steve Bertram

quote:
Originally posted by Gundog 64:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
. . . like roaches when the light comes on.

A lawyer using a cockroach as a comparison, now there is irony.

The world is full of irony, take the GOP President supporting Russia over our European Allies for example.

Irony, it's where you find it.

18 February 2025, 01:46

MJines

The MAGAts are avoiding this thread like the plague. Maybe they are experiencing a bit of buyer’s remorse.

18 February 2025, 07:28

LHeym500

Naw, the false right only cares about Christian Nationalism. Deep down they agree with the quote.

18 February 2025, 07:40

MJines

I think that is right Joshua. They realize that if they say anything in defense of the statement it exposes them as not being the Constitutional law and order patriots they like to tout themselves as being. So they keep their mouths shut while silently cheering the statement. Sort of chickenshit but that’s just how they roll. Every once in a while a dumb one like Rick will come along though.

18 February 2025, 08:09

ismith

How many lawyers can dance on the head of a pin?

18 February 2025, 08:09

Scott King

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
I think that is right Joshua. They realize that if they say anything in defense of the statement it exposes them as not being the Constitutional law and order patriots they like to tout themselves as being. So they keep their mouths shut while silently cheering the statement. Sort of chickenshit but that’s just how they roll. Every once in a while a dumb one like Rick will come along though.

The trump supporters list any credibility as Constitutional law and order patriots before this.

A) when Trump suggested the suspension of the Constitution.
B) when Trump insisted the election was fraudulent and stolen despite all concrete proof otherwise from the government and the independent judiciary.
C) when trump pardoned all January 6th convicts.

I'll be passing for the foreseeable future on any umbrage taken by Trump supporters regarding the other sides law bending or law breaking. Trump and his kind have carefully planted a primrose path.

18 February 2025, 09:00

LHeym500

quote:
Originally posted by ismith:
How many lawyers can dance on the head of a pin?

Fewer than who cannot respond to a direct question on this site, let alone this single thread.

18 February 2025, 09:18

LHeym500

quote:
Originally posted by Magine Enigam:
Someone in another thread used the Allegory of the Cave. It may have been jeffee, but he used it wrong as I recall.

The thing I find most disturbing and perhaps disappointing is that even when presented a convincing argument, hard core MAGAdites don't learn. They just retreat to argue basically the same worldview again later.

It really is beyond sad. That's because it shows the rabbit hole of polarization, the affliction upon the nation.

This affliction has a long history in human nature:

AI Overview

"The hidden message of Plato's Cave is an escape from ignorance."

"Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" describes a group of prisoners chained in a cave, only able to see shadows cast on the wall from objects carried behind them, believing these shadows to be reality; when one prisoner escapes and ascends to the outside world, he is initially blinded by the sunlight but eventually sees the true world, only to return to the cave and struggle to convince the other prisoners of the true reality, who are resistant to believing him due to their limited perspective; this represents the idea that our senses can deceive us, and true knowledge lies in the realm of ideas, not just physical perception."

===========================================

I think ideology taints the perceptions of the prisoners of it, just like the cave, perhaps more so. The evidence of that idea is clear.

===========================================

https://www.google.com/search?...r3AE&sclient=gws-wiz

Yes, Plato was an idealist. The concept being one’s mind created reality. However, the political point of The Cave is that the masses can be not just wrong and deceived, but destroy those who tell them the truth.

18 February 2025, 21:36

MJines

If Trump wants to emulate Napoleon hopefully we get to the exile stage before too long.

18 February 2025, 22:24

Tumbleweed

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
. . . Constitution be damned. Didn’t your oath like the Orange Jesus oath include a commitment to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution? Of course it did. But it is just an inconvenience.

You’ll recall that Orange Jesus refused to put his hand on the Bible when they tried to swear him in, so you can’t hold him to it! (And he’s had three wives who can attest to how solemnly he holds vows, so…..)

18 February 2025, 22:26

LHeym500

That is not how it works.

18 February 2025, 22:35

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
If Trump wants to emulate Napoleon hopefully we get to the exile stage before too long.

The quote was by Niccolo Machiavelli…not Napoleon. At least get the history correct.

18 February 2025, 22:37

MJines

. . . Napoleon was an emperor . . . try to keep up. While you’re visiting here, you agree with the statement? Hurry run.

18 February 2025, 22:42

ledvm

The OP was about a quote originally made by Niccolo Machiavelli. Nothing to do Napoleon.

Just because our resident DNC troll used the term emperor…doesn’t excuse historical incorrectness.

18 February 2025, 22:42

LHeym500

And Trump’s statement is an adaptation of a historical false Napoleon quote.
I see you have not answered the first question. That is common for you.

18 February 2025, 22:44

ledvm

It was a quote from Machiavelli.

18 February 2025, 22:46

MJines

. . . and all the while Lane ducks and dodges the question of whether he agrees with the statement Trump posted. Run, quick.

18 February 2025, 23:22

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
. . . and all the while Lane ducks and dodges the question of whether he agrees with the statement Trump posted. Run, quick.

I could care less that he said it. Bothers me not in the least. I will leave that conversation to you gossipy old hens at your knitting party.

What I am happy about is the fact that maybe we can clean up and utilize the structures on the south Texas ranch as human traffic has ceased.

18 February 2025, 23:29

Magine Enigam

quote:
Originally posted by Jefffive:
On his own shitty social media site and Elon Musk's increasingly shitty Twitter Trump posted:

"He who saves his Country does not violate any Law."

As some have noted that's likely the most Un-American thing any President has ever said, apparently a paraphrase of a fake quote from Napolean.

Can we go straight to the exile on a remote island part now?

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
The OP was about a quote originally made by Niccolo Machiavelli. Nothing to do Napoleon.

Just because our resident DNC troll used the term emperor…doesn’t excuse historical incorrectness.

quote:
Originally posted by LHeym500:
And Trump’s statement is an adaptation of a historical false Napoleon quote.
I see you have not answered the first question. That is common for you.

https://news.meaww.com/fact-ch...-not-violate-any-law

Fact Check: Did Trump share alleged Napoleon quote, 'He who saves his country does not violate any law'?
By Kunal Dey
Published on : 02:12 PST, Feb 18, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC: A claim has been making the rounds on the internet that President Donald Trump shared a controversial quote often attributed to French statesman Napoleon Bonaparte.

Napoleon, who crowned himself Emperor of the French in 1804, apparently said, "He who saves his Country does not violate any Law," but the quote's authenticity has been questioned.

It all began earlier this month amid concerns that Donald Trump and his administration were ignoring federal court orders—specifically ones that put a freeze on spending tied to some of his executive orders. The whispers quickly turned into a rumor that Trump was justifying his actions with the idea that if you’re "saving the country," laws don’t apply to you.

If that wasn’t enough to stir controversy, Donald Trump doubled down the next day.

https://www.snopes.com/fact-ch...ump-quotes-napoleon/

Regardless of whether Napoleon said these words, the emperor's eventual destitution and exile show that, whether he broke the law or not, he could not escape the consequences of his actions.

It's worth noting that Trump did post the quote —twice, actually. He put it up on his platform Truth Social on Saturday, February 15, and just moments later he posted the same thing on X (formerly Twitter).

18 February 2025, 23:35

ledvm

It is an actual quote of Niccolo Machiavelli.

18 February 2025, 23:36

LHeym500

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
quote:
Originally posted by MJines:
. . . and all the while Lane ducks and dodges the question of whether he agrees with the statement Trump posted. Run, quick.

I could care less that he said it. Bothers me not in the least. I will leave that conversation to you gossipy old hens at your knitting party.

What I am happy about is the fact that maybe we can clean up and utilize the structures on the south Texas ranch as human traffic has ceased.

Bingo.

And the quote is one of those dubious quotes that get attributed to an historical actor. In this case Napoleon.

Mjines was correct in application in his OP.

Leigh, Edward E. (1979). Right Thinking: A Personal Collection of Quotations Dating from 3000 BC to the Present Day which Might be Said to Cast Some Light on the Workings of the Tory Mind. Hutchinson Benham.

Sorry, you are wrong. The issue is the quote has been historically, dubiously, applied to Napoleon.

The issue they you do not care, like you did not care that Trump called for suspension of the Constitution, is the point. It is why you fail.

You prove my observation above that starts with Naw.

May God be merciful to you.

Good thing a few still care.

The quote is real. The speaker being Napoleon is what is historically fake.

18 February 2025, 23:36

MJines

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:

I could care less that he said it. Bothers me not in the least.

. . . so says the so-called, self-anointed Constitution loving, law enforcement supporting “patriot”.

18 February 2025, 23:39

LHeym500

And critical thinker.

What I care about is a president bring intelligent and knowledgeable enough to not attempt to void the Constitution through executive order.

18 February 2025, 23:47

MJines

You have to bear in mind Joshua, with Lane the ends justify the means. He really does not care what laws or regulations are violated so long as the end is something he supports. On the other hand, if the shoe was other foot and the end was something he opposed he would be wailing like a howler monkey.

18 February 2025, 23:59

Magine Enigam

quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
It is an actual quote of Niccolo Machiavelli.

I think you're correct, attributing the quote to Machiavelli. But that's all you're correct about.

Napolean said something similar in one of his books, supposedly.

But the OP is correct. He used the word "Fake".

Machiavelli did spend the latter part of his life in exile.

I can see why you are fixated on Machiavellianism.

The point is that Trump said it and meant it or to get attention or both.

https://youtu.be/xKTGvkSq4Sc?si=MHnNxEEncNyCteWa

Power is the Ultimate Pivot | Machiavellianism EXPLAINED

https://youtu.be/I4hWF_KcYAc?si=MSbG-nrZx5GPqg2R

7 Signs of Machiavellianism: The Unexplained Dark Triad Trait

19 February 2025, 00:11

Mike Mitchell

quote:
Originally posted by crbutler:
Except that FDR did violate established law and precedent in many places. His view was very much like what Trump said.

The big difference being that a lot more folks agreed with him than with Trump now.

You pointed out the SCOTUS packing... getting your own partisans into the supreme court and then changing bedrock precedent seems to be very Rooseveltian.

Then there was the wholesale violations of established international law with the lend lease act. Again, most everyone agrees he did the right thing, but it was a violation of law...

So Trump's behavior is neither unprecedented nor wholly out of the national character... its just that he's doing it with much less popular support than happened in the past.

You can also debate his comparative morality, but that's not a question of law...

quote:
Originally posted by LHeym500:
Except FSR never said anything like that.

He ran against historical, but not legal precedent. As soon as the politics permitted the Constitution was amended to enshrine the two term tradition as part of our government.

Oh, and despite what most history books say, FDR won the court packing debate. Folks resigned, he was able to appoint a majority that agreed w his view of the federal government which was obtained through Congress passing laws.

Actually, the big difference was that we were in the middle of the Great Depression and then World War II.

So....there's that.

19 February 2025, 00:33

ledvm

quote:
Originally posted by Magine Enigam:
quote:
Originally posted by ledvm:
It is an actual quote of Niccolo Machiavelli.

I think you're correct, attributing the quote to Machiavelli. But that's all you're correct about.

Napolean said something similar in one of his books, supposedly.

But the OP is correct. He used the word "Fake".

Machiavelli did spend the latter part of his life in exile.

I can see why you are fixated on Machiavellianism.

The point is that Trump said it and meant it or to get attention or both.

https://youtu.be/xKTGvkSq4Sc?si=MHnNxEEncNyCteWa

Power is the Ultimate Pivot | Machiavellianism EXPLAINED

https://youtu.be/I4hWF_KcYAc?si=MSbG-nrZx5GPqg2R

7 Signs of Machiavellianism: The Unexplained Dark Triad Trait

quote:
Machiavelli is often criticized for advocating a pragmatic, sometimes ruthless approach to politics.

He (Trump) said to be Machiavellian…which he is.