Theory: Donald Trump is the modern-day, Western Akhenaten. Likewise, Akhenaten is the Ancient Egyptian Trump.
In this essay, I will list and compare the similarities between these two figures...
...To be Continued when I have time. Part 1/?
#TrumpenAten
Another comparison, Trump spent his entire Presidency pursuing his own personal vanity projects. I would say the Wall™ is Trump's Amarna. Neither was completed in their respective lifetimes, and both ignored the People, in favor of their own Reputations.
Which leads me to my next point...
Both men took a group of religious people, and attempted to shift the focus of their worship to themselves (and were successful to certain degrees).
Trump took Evangelical Christians and dropped himself into the role of their Messiah/Savior.
Akhenaten took polytheists and attempted to strangle worship of anything BUT Aten. Then by taking on Aten's mantle for himself, to become their God.
Also, they both moved social institutions to pander to their chosen groups.
Akhenaten tried to LITERALLY move the capital of Egypt, and Trump moved the US Embassy. They were both trying to consolidate power by appealing to their groups (OG Aten worshippers, and Evangelicals).
*Evangelicals were appeased because this, they believe, fulfills a prophecy that foreshadows Armageddon, which they're rabidly waiting for.
Egyptians however, viewed Akhenaten as a Heretic and a Despot.
This is because he had zero interest in entertaining the idea of Practical Governance. What the people needed wasn't HIS job. Only promoting his political and Financial gain. Somebody else can work out the other stuff for him.
🤔🤔🤔 Where have I heard THAT critique before?
So, my first point, and the easiest, is the two are both MASSIVE narcissists, with Colossal egos.
My second, is that they both decided their path to fame (or infamy) lie in Brand Recognition. I have no idea if Ancient Egypt had words for "household name" or "branding", but Akhenaten certainly understood the idea when he changed his name from Amenhotep IV, and took on the moniker of a god. "The suit makes the man", as they say.
See also: "Dress for the job you want".
@NiveusLepus