In his second term in the White House, Donald Trump is increasingly exhibiting characteristics reminiscent of a mafia boss rather than a democratic statesman. His behavior, marked by threats, vendettas, and political bullying, more closely mirrors the infamous gangster Al Capone than a modern-day leader of the free world. Whether targeting international rivals or betraying his own allies, Trump’s actions are becoming more authoritarian and erratic – posing grave threats not only to the domestic stability of the United States but to global peace and diplomacy.
Even within his own circle, Trump’s scorched-earth approach is evident. One of the most glaring examples of this betrayal is his recent fallout with tech magnate Elon Musk – an individual many credit for playing a pivotal role in Trump’s 2024 electoral victory. Once considered a close ally, Musk has now become the latest target of Trump’s wrath.
Disillusioned by Trump’s erratic and self-centered leadership style, Elon Musk took the unprecedented step of forming his own political party – the “America Party”. With this move, Musk has thrown down the gauntlet, signaling his intention to challenge the hegemony of the two dominant political forces in the United States: the Republican and Democratic parties. Although third-party ventures such as the Libertarian or Green Party have historically failed to gain substantial traction, Musk’s charisma, financial clout, and massive social media following may make this effort different.
On July 6, 2025, Musk announced the formation of his party on X (formerly Twitter), declaring:
“…you want a new political party and you shall have it! When it comes to bankrupting our country with waste & graft, we live in a one-party system, not a democracy. Today, the America Party is formed to give you back your freedom”.
This post was viewed by over 61 million people within hours – demonstrating the reach and potential influence of Musk’s political foray. However, legal challenges may complicate the formal registration of the America Party. In states like New York, for example, electoral laws prohibit political organizations from using the word “American” or any variation of it in their name.
Furthermore, procedural hurdles at the Federal Election Commission (FEC) -which currently lacks a quorum due to the resignation of a commissioner in April – could delay or even obstruct the party’s certification.
It is worth noting that appointments to the FEC can only be made by the sitting US president – Donald Trump himself. This raises questions about whether Musk’s America Party can ever be formally recognized during Trump’s term in office.
Unsurprisingly, Trump has dismissed Musk’s initiative, telling reporters: “I think it’s ridiculous to start a third party. It’s always been a two-party system, and I think starting a third party just adds to the confusion.” But Trump did not stop at mere criticism – he soon launched a full-scale attack on Musk, targeting the extensive government subsidies Musk’s companies receive. On Truth Social, Trump wrote:
“Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa”.
Musk responded within 30 minutes, stating defiantly, “I am literally saying CUT IT ALL. Now”. This confrontation signals a deepening political rift between two of the most influential figures in contemporary American society.
Trump has also hinted at launching investigations into Musk’s government contracts – sending a chilling signal to any business leader or public figure who dares to oppose him. This sort of personal vendetta politics, weaponizing state machinery to settle scores, is a dangerous step toward authoritarianism.
But Trump’s bullying behavior is not limited to domestic politics. On the international stage, he continues to wield tariffs and economic threats as blunt instruments to coerce nations into alignment with US policies. His latest target: the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) and other countries from the Global South. Trump warned that any nation aligning with BRICS policies deemed “against US interests” would face an additional 10 percent tariff.
This blatant threat to sovereign states has triggered fierce international backlash. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva denounced Trump’s behavior, calling it “imperial” and “irresponsible”. He stated:
“I don’t think it’s responsible or serious for the president of a country as large as the United States to be threatening the world over the internet. He [Trump] needs to understand that the world has changed. We don’t want an emperor. We are sovereign nations”.
Bolivian President Luis Arce went even further, urging nations around the world to reduce their dependency on the US dollar. In an interview with RT during the 17th BRICS summit in Rio de Janeiro, Arce emphasized:
“There is a very clear struggle between the old, declining bloc of the U.S. and Europe versus the emerging bloc of the BRICS countries”.
This is not mere rhetoric – it reflects a real geopolitical shift. The BRICS alliance is steadily expanding its global influence and proposing alternative economic systems, including reducing reliance on the dollar-based trade model. These moves directly challenge Washington’s longstanding global financial dominance.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at the same BRICS summit, highlighted the organization’s adaptability and unity in the face of global challenges. In a powerful rebuke to nations that support terrorism, he stated:
“For global peace and prosperity, BRICS nations must adopt a clear and unified stance on overcoming terrorism. There is no room for double standards”.
Trump’s heavy-handed approach, rather than reaffirming American leadership, is pushing nations further away from Washington’s orbit. More importantly, it’s revealing the limitations of traditional power structures in a multipolar world.
Today, the United States faces a growing crisis of legitimacy. Its national debt is spiraling out of control – surpassing US$1 trillion in additional debt every 100 days. Meanwhile, many countries in the Global South – particularly those aligned with BRICS – are experiencing economic growth, rising global clout, and increasing domestic stability.
Despite this reality, Trump and the US deep state continue to pursue outdated strategies of global domination – strategies that include meddling in foreign domestic affairs and orchestrating regime changes. From Afghanistan to Libya, from Iraq to Syria, and now reportedly in Bangladesh, US policies have sown chaos, empowered extremists, and destabilized entire regions.
The grim truth is that the United States, in its desperate bid to maintain supremacy, has morphed into a villainous actor in global affairs. By planting Islamist regimes, backing jihadist groups, and undermining legitimate governments, the US has transformed several once-peaceful nations into terrorist launchpads and warzones.
Unless the Global South wakes up to these sinister strategies, it is only a matter of time before new regime change conspiracies unfold in vulnerable countries – serving the interests of the US Military-Industrial Complex and its allies in Western governments.
Now is the time for unity, vigilance, and resistance. Every responsible citizen, every conscious policymaker, and every patriot must raise their voice against this modern-day imperialism. The world can no longer afford to be bullied by a superpower that behaves like a global gangster.
As Donald Trump continues to resemble Al Capone more than a president, the question remains: Will the world continue to tolerate this? Or will the nations of the Global South finally chart their own path – free from the shadow of US coercion and control?
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An internationally acclaimed multi-award-winning anti-militancy journalist, writer, research-scholar, counterterrorism specialist and editor of Blitz. He regularly writes for local and international newspapers on diversified topics, including international relations, politics, diplomacy, security and counterterrorism. Follow him on ‘X’ @Salah_Shoaib
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