Contrasting Leadership Styles: George Washington vs. Donald Trump

Recently, I examined something unusual: George Washington’s teeth. Contrary to popular belief, they weren’t wooden. During a visit to Mount Vernon, I discovered that his dentures were made from human, horse, and cow teeth. Washington always worried his teeth might fall out, causing him constant discomfort. Despite this, he remained uncomplaining, quite unlike our current leader.

“I can’t imagine two figures more different than George Washington and Donald Trump,” remarked historian Ron Chernow, a Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer of Washington, during America’s 250th birthday celebration, which Trump dominated.

Chernow reflected on Washington’s character. “He was discreet, reserved, and courteous, shunning showiness or self-promotion,” he noted. “Trump, in contrast, constantly brags and promotes himself. Such behavior would feel completely foreign to Washington and contradict his vision of public service.”

Observing Washington, who declined kingship, contrasts sharply with a current leader who envisions himself as a king. Recently, Trump signed a presidential memorandum, declaring, “We rule by common sense, to a large extent.” The actual term is “govern,” not “rule.”

On the weekend’s heatwave, Trump bragged about his planned Fourth of July speech on the Mall: “I’m going to make a really long speech, just to show that I can do anything.”