The Narcissism and Distraction of the "Cardboard Superhero"

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Donald Trump’s political career, from his election campaigns to his presidency, has relied more on pathological self-display and self-aggrandizement than on meaningful policies or rational discourse. His background as a failed businessman and a star of lowbrow TV shows has turned him into a narcissistic performer obsessed with flashy imagery and personal branding rather than substance. Analysts argue that Trump’s communication is not only "image-centric" but also entirely devoid of any policy depth. So much so that meaningless imagery replaces reasoned argument, and "words no longer matter, only the spectacle does." This approach is a sign of the degeneration of modern political discourse, where self-display and egotism have replaced real debate and practical solutions.

Recently, the absurd image of Donald Trump as "Superman," released by official White House social media accounts, once again showcased this pathological narcissism. The image, depicting Trump’s face superimposed on Superman’s body, complete with a blue suit, red cape, and the "S" emblem, was accompanied by the hollow slogan: "Symbol of Hope. Truth. Justice. The American Way. Trump Superman." Released on July 11, 2025, the image was deliberately timed to coincide with the premiere of the new "Superman" film to exploit public attention. This move goes beyond a self-aggrandizing tweet; it represents a blatant misuse of government resources to promote a dangerous, self-centered personality cult that contradicts democratic values.

This is not the first time Trump has cast himself in superhero or fantasy imagery. In 2022, with the launch of "Trump NFT Trading Cards," he portrayed himself in ridiculous roles such as an astronaut, race car driver, cowboy, and superhero. The promotional video for these NFTs showed him shooting laser beams from his eyes like a cartoon character. Additionally, AI-generated images, such as Trump dressed as the Pope in May, highlight his obsession with self-promotion through pop culture and technology. This pattern stems not only from narcissism but also from a deliberate effort to mislead the public.

This strategy is rooted in the dangerous psychology of hero worship, aimed at creating a false personality cult. By portraying himself as a "symbol of hope," Trump seeks to cast himself as a "savior," even though his policies have often marginalized vulnerable groups and undermined democratic institutions. These images, using propaganda techniques like "transfer," falsely associate Superman’s positive traits (strength, honesty, heroism) with Trump, despite his record being riddled with scandals, lies, and mismanagement.

One key purpose of these visual spectacles is to distract from numerous scandals. The release of "Trump Superman" coincided precisely with public demands to disclose Jeffrey Epstein’s client list, a move many saw as a blatant attempt to divert attention from this sensitive issue. This tactic is part of Trump’s recurring pattern of using media controversies and flashy imagery to dominate news cycles and obscure serious matters like corruption allegations or suspicious connections.

These images were not only widely mocked and criticized on social media but were even called "cringe" by some Republicans. Users questioned the legitimacy of the official White House account, pointing out glaring contradictions, such as Superman, an immigrant from another planet, clashing with Trump’s anti-immigrant stance. Some sarcastically suggested, "Superman was an illegal alien, deport him!" These reactions highlight the failure of these images to gain public support, instead underscoring their absurdity and unprofessionalism.

The truth is that such actions by Trump are part of a dangerous, calculated strategy to manipulate public opinion. As a "media monster," Trump uses imagery and scandals to bolster his populist base while spreading misinformation and fueling political polarization. Thus, AI-generated content, like these images, serves as a tool for promoting misleading narratives and reinforcing existing biases. Though seemingly ridiculous, these tactics allow him to dominate news cycles, evade accountability for real issues, and maintain his loyal supporters.

Ultimately, the "Trump Superman" image is not just a meaningless, self-aggrandizing spectacle; it is part of a dangerous strategy to undermine political discourse, mislead the public, and cover up scandals.