Antigone in the context of leadership and politics of Trump

The primary character of Antigone by Sophocles, Creon, is a great example of how political power can be abused and how to maintain political power. It makes me think of the 2016 case reported by the New York Times, in which President Trump of the United States of America directly cautions former FBI Director Muller to look into his financial situation further since he was accused of working with Russia and defaming Hillary Clinton. Trump also cautioned James Comey to conduct investigations before firing him, much like Creon did when he implemented contentious policies and rules like forbidding anyone from burying Polynices. Then warned Robert Muller by saying that, he had crossed the “red line” (Schallhorn n.p).

The theme of lawlessness and misuse of leadership can be conveyed by the words in Antigone’s song. The singer says, “When the laws are kept, how proudly his city stands? While the laws are broken, what of his city then?” (p.12). It applies to the alleged crime of conspiracy that the Trump committed by cooperating with Russia to break the US law on collecting money for campaigns and suspected secret businesses (Hensley, n.p).

A Meme in the analysis of the leadership, laws, and policy-making for the states

Trump is said to have passed approximately 53 bills to laws (Hensley, n.p). When the Sophocles’ “Antigone” is considered, there are also a set of rules that are set in Thebes by the Lordship of Creon. These laws are seen to oppress the people; Antigone is to be killed with the family for breaking one. Breaking this law seems inevitable as the play is tragic as the Creon and others die. In contrast, breaking the laws would certainly jeopardize the “city.” When the United States politicians uphold the standards of law expected, they can lead the nation to success and avoid the tragedy like Thebes with Creon.

Work cited

Griffith, Mark, ed. Sophocles: Antigone. Cambridge University Press, 1999.

Hansley. J. "President Donald Trump Has Signed 53 Bills into Law. Here's What They Do Politics." CNN, edition.cnn.com/2017/06/29/politics/president-trump-legislation/index.html

Schallhorn. K, "Donald Trump Jr.'s Meeting with Russian Lawyer: What to Know." Fox News, www.foxnews.com/politics/2017/09/07/donald-trump-jr-s-meeting-with-Russian-lawyer-what-to-know.html