Why Calling Trump and Musk Mavericks is Utterly Ridiculous

Every person I interact with—whether at work, in the community, or even in casual conversations—seems to tell me the same thing: “We have a mad man ruling the world.” It’s a sentiment echoed by people from all walks of life, from the young to the old, from those living in the West to those living in the East. And when they say this, they’re usually talking about Donald Trump, his actions, and the way he has shaped global politics.

Many people are alarmed by Trump’s inflammatory statements and policies. For example, his recent comments about the Gaza conflict, where he suggested that the U.S. should “own” Gaza, left many of us in shock, particularly those who value Palestinian rights and sovereignty. His hardline stance on immigration, calling for the mass removal of “alien” immigrants, continues to stoke fear and division, fostering a climate of xenophobia. And his recent push to increase tariffs, especially on China, has not only disrupted global trade but has also contributed to economic instability. These are not isolated incidents. These are policies and statements that highlight a broader ideology—one that seeks to maintain the power of a privileged few while disregarding the humanity of the many. And yet, many people, especially in the Muslim community, continue to see Trump as an outlier, a singular figure that doesn’t fit into the usual political mould. But I believe it’s crucial to recognise that Trump is not an anomaly; he’s a product of the very system that has shaped the modern world.

The Foundations of Western Civilisation: A Bloody Battle for Power

To understand where Trump fits into this global picture, we must look at the foundations of Western civilisation. Western history is not one of peace and progress for all, as it is often portrayed. It was built on conflict, a struggle for power between the Church and the emerging class of free thinkers. These so-called “free thinkers” were not advocating for the liberation of the masses—they were the elites, the landowners, and the powerful who sought to replace one form of control (the Church) with another (themselves).

The shift from religious rule to secular rule did not mean that freedom was granted to all. Instead, it meant that the elite controlled the narrative, the economy, and the political system. The masses, the workers, the lower classes—were still left to labour for the benefit of the privileged few. This struggle between freedom for the elite and control over the masses has been an ongoing battle, and it is this same battle that continues to play out in our modern world.

The Elite’s Agenda: Freedom for Themselves, Control for the Masses

In today’s world, we no longer see monarchs and feudal lords ruling with open authority. Instead, we are presented with the illusion of choice. Democracy, capitalism, and corporate empires create a façade of freedom, but the truth is that the same elite still control the system. These elites, the Trumps, Musks, and others, push the narrative of “freedom,” but this freedom is selective—it only applies to those who fit into their world of privilege and control.

Trump, in his rhetoric and policies, epitomizes this brand of power. He pushes for policies that favor the rich, stoke division among the masses, and disregard the lives of those who do not align with his worldview. His support for oppressive regimes, his Islamophobic rhetoric, and his aggressive stance on immigration are not just random acts—they are strategic moves designed to maintain the status quo. If the “Riviera of the Middle East” brings in the dollars, secures lucrative contracts, and keeps a firm grip on the region, then that’s a yes according to the doctrine. If high tariffs on products force people to buy domestically manufactured goods—conveniently produced in factories owned by the elite—that too is a yes from the doctrine. The elite remain untouched, while the rest of are left to fight over the scraps.

For Muslims, this reality is glaring. From the colonial invasions of the past to the ongoing political manipulation of the present, the West’s elite have always sought to control the Muslim world. Trump’s actions, particularly his support for Israel and his Muslim travel bans, are the latest expressions of a centuries-old philosophy that seeks to keep power in the hands of the elite. And it’s not just Trump—he’s merely a representative of a broader system that has existed for generations.

The Illusion of Left vs. Right: A Political Trap for Muslims

I’ve heard many Muslims say that Trump is the embodiment of the far-right, and because of this, they gravitate toward left-wing politics, believing it to be the answer. But this, I believe, is a grave mistake. The reality is that the era of principled politics is long gone. Today, there are no true advocates for humanity, justice, and equality in the political spectrum. If any politician dares to stand for these values, they are quickly sidelined, just as we saw with figures like Jeremy Corbyn.

Take the UK Labour Party as an example. Once considered sympathetic to immigration, multiculturalism, and the Muslim voice, the Labour Party of today has long since abandoned these values. Under Labour, Britain joined the Iraq War, a war that devastated the Muslim world. It was Labour that supported Israel’s actions and that created policies like the Prevent strategy, which targeted Muslims under the guise of counter-terrorism. More recently, under Keir Starmer’s leadership, the Labour Party attacked the Bengali community, further alienating a demographic that once saw the party as a champion for their rights. The Labour Party’s stance on these issues shows that no meaningful negotiation is left in the political spectrum. The illusion of choice is exactly that—an illusion. There is no “left-wing” or “right-wing” anymore—there is only a system that serves the interests of the elite.

The Cost of Their Freedom: Suffering for the Masses

While the Western elite enjoy their wealth and power, the rest of us—especially those who resist—suffer. From wars fought in the name of “democracy” to economic systems designed to perpetuate inequality, the masses continue to bear the brunt of policies meant to serve the few.

For Muslims, this is not a new reality. From the colonial invasions that disrupted the Muslim world to the ongoing economic and political manipulation, this has always been the story. The elite—whether in the form of monarchs, politicians, or corporations—have always sought to maintain control, and the masses—especially those who resist—have been kept in check.

Moving Beyond the Surface: Understanding Trump and the West

If we truly want to understand what drives Trump and the Western elite, we need to move beyond the surface—beyond the media narratives, beyond the rhetoric, and beyond the superficial judgments. We must look at the history of Western civilisation and recognise it for what it truly is: a system built on control, power, and the exploitation of the masses. Trump is not an outlier—he is a natural product of this system.

A Call to Action: Understanding Politics Before Acting

Before we jump to any political path, we must first study, read, and understand. The Quran’s first command was “Read.” Yet so often, we accept the first thing we hear and do not delve deeper into the world around us. Meanwhile, the Western elite, whose entire struggle has been to consolidate their wealth and power, are thriving. We must ask ourselves: How much longer will we allow ourselves to be caught in this illusion? Understanding the true nature of politics, history, and power is key. Only then can we approach the future with wisdom, discernment, and the ability to navigate these complex landscapes.