From MAGA hats to modern gladiators, why the Trump era channels the glory of ancient Rome in all the best ways.
By Hans Wilder for Digital Media USA
Let’s talk about the Trump administration for a minute. No, not the doom-and-gloom headlines or your neighbor with the “Not My Emperor” bumper sticker. I mean the bigger picture. The grand vision. Trump’s America isn’t just a presidency—it’s the New Roman Empire. And before you roll your eyes, hear me out: that’s not an insult. It’s a badge of honor.
The Romans didn’t just build an empire; they built the empire. Roads, aqueducts, democracy (okay, kind of), bread and circuses. These guys were the original influencers, setting trends that lasted millennia. So, comparing America under Trump to Rome? That’s like saying your kid’s peewee team reminds you of the 1996 Bulls. It’s a compliment wrapped in a truth bomb.
1. Love of Nation: MAGA Meets SPQR
Rome had SPQR—Senatus Populusque Romanus—the Senate and People of Rome. Trump has MAGA—Make America Great Again. Both are about uniting the people under a banner of national pride. The Romans believed in their divine destiny to rule the known world, and Trump believes in America’s divine destiny to, well, rule the known world, but in a more modern, “export freedom and burgers” kind of way.
Love of country isn’t cringe; it’s powerful. Rome’s pride built the Colosseum, the aqueducts, and the Roman legions. Trump’s pride? Space Force, record-breaking rallies, and a planned USA World’s Fair. Tell me that’s not the modern equivalent of a triumphal parade.
2. The Colosseum Vibes Are Real
Let’s talk sports. Every time Trump walks into a stadium, it’s like Caesar strolling into the Colosseum. The crowd roars (well, mostly), and it’s a spectacle. Back in the day, Roman emperors gave the people gladiatorial games—blood, sweat, and drama. Today? We’ve got NFL games, UFC fights, and Trump doing the wave with a Diet Coke in hand.
Don’t knock the comparison. The Colosseum wasn’t just a place to see dudes in loincloths duke it out—it was where Rome flexed its power. Trump at the Super Bowl isn’t just about football; it’s a flex of modern American culture. Gladiators fought for glory; quarterbacks throw for touchdowns. Same energy, fewer spears.
3. Infrastructure: Roads Then, Roads Now
Rome’s greatest achievement was its roads. They connected the empire, brought goods to market, and let the legions move fast enough to squash any rebellion (sorry, Gaul). Trump’s infrastructure plans, while still in the works, echo that ambition. Highways, 5G networks, and revitalized factories aren’t as romantic as the Appian Way, but they’re just as critical.
Rome understood that greatness isn’t just about conquest; it’s about connectivity. Trump’s push to “rebuild America” channels that same energy. Whether it’s airports, pipelines, or Space Force satellites, the message is clear: America first, just like Rome was Rome first.
4. The Trumpian Triumph
Roman generals had triumphs—giant parades where they showed off their victories. Trump? His rallies are modern-day triumphs. The banners, the chants, the larger-than-life energy. If Rome had “Hail Caesar,” we’ve got “Four More Years!”
And the hats. Romans had laurel wreaths; Trump has MAGA caps. Both are symbols of power and unity. You wear the wreath (or hat), and you’re part of something bigger.
5. Culture Wars: Then and Now
Rome wasn’t shy about its dominance. Its culture spread like wildfire—language, architecture, laws. America does the same with Hollywood, iPhones, and fast food. If Rome had gladiators, we’ve got Marvel movies. If they had philosophers, we’ve got stand-up comedians and TikTok influencers (okay, not all progress is equal).
And just like Rome, Trump’s America isn’t about apologizing for being the big kid on the block. It’s about owning it. Rome didn’t build aqueducts and say, “Sorry about the water pressure.” Trump doesn’t bring jobs back and say, “Sorry we’re winning.”
6. Critics Then, Critics Now
Of course, not everyone loved Rome. And not everyone loves Trump. Back then, the haters were barbarians or political rivals sharpening their knives in the Senate. Today? Twitter warriors and cable news panels. Same drama, different century.
But here’s the thing: Rome didn’t stop being Rome because someone didn’t like the toga styles. And Trump’s America isn’t going to stop being America because someone prefers kale smoothies to cheeseburgers.
7. What We Can Learn from Rome
Rome fell, sure. But not before shaping the world. Their fall wasn’t a failure; it was a legacy. Roads, language, art, and politics—they left a mark that we’re still talking about. Trump’s America has the same potential. This administration is about setting the foundation for a new American Renaissance. A time when we stop apologizing for greatness and start building on it.
So, let’s embrace the comparison. Rome was great, and so are we. The Trump administration isn’t just leading America; it’s channeling the spirit of the most iconic empire in history. And as long as we keep the bread (jobs) and circuses (Super Bowls) coming, we’ll keep the people proud and the nation strong.
Hail Caesar—or, in this case, hail Trump. Same vibes, more fireworks.
Excellent thread well done.. the Empire continues!