Overview

• Sloterdijk describes Trump’s persona as combining regal authority with clown-like theatrics in a new political “role figure.”
• He argues this hybrid fulfills a societal craving for spectacle grounded in medieval cultural structures.
• Sloterdijk cites Boris Johnson as an early example whose comedic leadership style paved the way for Trump’s amplified performance.
• He credits Trump’s showbusiness background and self-trained clown routines for his ability to manufacture belief through performance.
• He presents Queen Elizabeth II’s discreet visibility as a counter-image to Trump’s flamboyant approach.