Dive into AI’s 31-point comparison of Trump and Nero — exposing unsettling similarities in how both men used power, attacked critics, and undermined institutions.
My journey into the AI world collided recently with my interest in the Roman Empire and what's happening in the USA. I asked ChatGPT to compare the two figures. I checked this with another AI program, and the results were virtually the same.
Emperor Nero is known as the 'Mad, Bad Emperor.' Although there have been efforts to balance this out ("How Nasty was Nero, Really?" The New Yorker, June 7, 2021), AI's conclusion is clear: Nero was a narcissistic, cruel despot.
When asked, 'Please list similarities between Trump and Nero,' AI came up with 31 parallels:
1. Cult of Personality
Both Trump and Nero cultivated personal loyalty over institutional loyalty, surrounding themselves with admirers and dismissing critics.
2. Focus on Spectacle
Nero was known for lavish public performances and spectacles. Trump has been similarly focused on large rallies, media appearances, and dramatic political events.
3. Indifference to Crisis
Nero allegedly "fiddled while Rome burned," showing indifference during a crisis. Trump was accused of downplaying major crises, such as COVID-19 and political unrest.
4. Populist Appeals
Both appealed to popular classes for support while antagonizing the elite. Nero gave the Roman populace games; Trump appealed to working-class frustrations.
5. Use of Scapegoating
Nero blamed Christians for the Great Fire of Rome. Trump has often blamed immigrants, the media, or political opponents for societal problems.
6. Authoritarian Tendencies
Both demonstrated authoritarian impulses — Nero declared himself above the Senate, and Trump has been accused of undermining democratic institutions.
7. Disdain for Critics
Both leaders were known for aggressively attacking anyone who criticized them — Nero through executions, Trump through public shaming and insults.
8. Self-Aggrandizement
Nero presented himself as a great artist and god-like figure. Trump has been criticized for extreme self-praise and branding everything under his name.
9. Nepotism and Favoritism
Both were accused of appointing family members and loyalists to high positions regardless of qualifications.
10. Legal Troubles and Investigations
Nero faced numerous conspiracies and accusations. Trump has faced multiple investigations and legal battles.
11. Polarizing Figures
Both created deep divisions within their societies, fostering an "us vs. them" mentality.
12. Obsession with Image
Nero fancied himself a great actor and musician; Trump is obsessed with media portrayal and his image as a successful businessman.
13. Disregard for Norms
Nero violated traditional Roman political norms. Trump was accused of violating U.S. democratic and political norms.
14. Cultivation of Fear
Both ruled in a way that kept allies and enemies in fear of retaliation or public shaming.
15. Extravagance
Nero built massive palaces (e.g., Domus Aurea). Trump’s ostentatious wealth and golden towers mirror this extravagance.
16. Elitism Disguised as Populism
Despite appealing to common people, both lived lavish lifestyles far removed from ordinary citizens.
17. Paranoia
Both were noted for growing paranoid over time, seeing enemies everywhere.
18. Attacks on the Press
Nero controlled narratives and persecuted writers. Trump labeled unfavorable media "fake news" and "enemies of the people."
19. Disdain for Established Institutions
Both disregarded traditional institutions of governance — Nero the Senate, Trump various federal institutions.
20. Use of Distraction
Both used grand spectacles and distractions to divert attention from political failures or scandals.
21. Allegations of Corruption
Both faced accusations of corrupt dealings and personal enrichment from their positions.
22. Demagoguery
Both were able to manipulate public opinion through emotionally charged rhetoric.
23. Isolation from Reality
Both became increasingly isolated from reality, surrounded by yes-men and disconnected from ordinary people’s struggles.
24. Desire for Absolute Control
Both figures are associated with efforts to exert personal control over all aspects of government and public life.
25. Politicizing the Judiciary
Nero manipulated courts to punish enemies. Trump has been accused of seeking loyalty from judges and interfering with judicial processes.
26. False Claims of Victimhood
Both portrayed themselves as victims of conspiracies and persecution.
27. Encouraging Violence
Nero's reign saw brutal crackdowns. Trump was accused of encouraging or not adequately condemning political violence (e.g., January 6th).
28. Loyalty over Competence
Appointments were often based on loyalty rather than expertise under both rulers.
29. Refusal to Accept Defeat
Nero resisted acknowledging declining popularity and impending overthrow. Trump refused to concede the 2020 election.
30. Use of Propaganda
Both made extensive use of propaganda — Nero through art and monuments, Trump through social media and constant campaigning.
31. Endangering the State for Personal Gain
Ultimately, both figures are criticized for putting their own interests above the good of their country, leading to instability and chaos.
These are not my opinions, they were generated by AI when asked to make a comparison. AI also produced the images.
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