Five reasons why Donald Trump is nothing but another ‘Dilli ka munda’

Trump’s actions are the ultimate flex in an orderless world (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

There is – and with good reason – much hand-wringing across global capitals. Donald J Trump, self-proclaimed “non-interventionist” and “deal maker,” part of whose appeal lay in decrying American interventionism in the 21st century, has, in effect, invaded Venezuela and kidnapped its president. In fact, long before this latest and arguably most shocking move, the Don has defied analysis and predictability. From abusing opponents, to exaggerating his wealth, and even almost ending US democracy with his wink-and-nudge attitude to the January 6 Capitol Hill riots — he has changed what “presidential” means in America. Uncountable minutes of airtime and column inches have been spent by journalists, policy wonks, and talking heads of various stripes trying to make sense of Dennis the Menace in the White House.

But perhaps, there is a simpler explanation. Donald Trump isn’t just an orange-skinned reality TV star who has created a new right-wing politics in America. He’s also a Dilli ka munda, with all its attendant cliches.

First, the Don owes his wealth to the most Delhi of Delhi professions. No, it isn’t politics or policy. He is a property dealer and builder who, as many underpaid or unpaid contractors may well confirm, promises you the “best”, “huge” place, but can’t quite be trusted. He loves gold and ostentation in a way that is reminiscent of Khurana (played by Boman Irani) in Khosla ka Ghosla!.

Second, Trump has long had an attitude that is defined by a phrase that the North Indian male has made his own: “tu janta hai main kaun hoon” (do you know who I am?). It is important to note here that neither Donald nor his Delhi counterparts are suffering from amnesia or are in an existential crisis. The question is an assertion of power and who you know. Long before he resided in the White House, Trump would brag and share photos with the who’s who of politics, entertainment, and business — including but not limited to the Clintons and Jeffrey Epstein. Now, he is actually at the pinnacle of fame and power. An insecure masculinity, unfortunately, is a bottomless pit. And those of us who know Delhi jaante hai woh (Trump) kaun hai, with a greater and more tragic depth than he might realise.

Third, Trump lies and brags about things that should not matter. Wealth, “back” (amorphous term implying an everyday backing of muscle power), and a troubling history with women. He goes on and on, like many a Delhi bro, about how hard he works, how much he has achieved, so on and so forth. He forgets to add, Daddy’s money started it all.

Fourth, Trump’s actions are the ultimate flex in an orderless world. In many a fight across schoolyards, neighbourhoods, and campuses, a common threat is: “uthva doonga”, “gayab karwa doonga”, etc. When you have the US armed forces and intelligence networks, and are driven by ego, you can kidnap a head of state or government. We poor Delhi boys can, more often than not, only make empty threats.

And finally, the Delhi boys are more than the cliches that are used to make fun of them. They are insecure and generous, smart and silly, aggressive and sensitive, and like so many people across the world, often just trying to do their best, for themselves and others. Hopefully, before his time in office is done, the US president can also mimic a bit of their decency.

The writer is Deputy Associate Editor, The Indian Express. aakash.joshi@expressindia.com