News Desk
Donald Trump, the newly elected President of the United States, has become a name synonymous with both fame and controversy. Trump’s rise to power is a remarkable story, one that started from humble beginnings in a small German village and led to the creation of a multi-billion-dollar empire in the United States. His family’s journey began with his great-grandfather, Friedrich Drumpf, who was born in 1869 in Germany. Drumpf immigrated to the United States in 1885, changing the family name to “Trump,” and started a new life in New York City. He made his fortune through running restaurants and hotels in the mining areas of the United States.
Trump’s father, Frederick C. Trump, continued the family legacy, rising to fame with his successful real estate business in New York. Donald Trump’s mother, Mary Anne MacLeod, was born on May 10, 1912, on the small Scottish island of Lewis. She emigrated to America in the 1930s and married Frederick C. Trump in 1936. Mary Anne was a homemaker but played an essential role in raising the Trump children. Donald, the fourth of five siblings, was born on June 14, 1946, in Queens, New York.
Trump was raised in a strict environment, with his father ensuring that he learned the importance of hard work and discipline from an early age. He attended the New York Military Academy and then went on to study at Fordham University before transferring to the Wharton School of Finance at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree in economics. In 1971, Donald took over his father’s real estate business and transformed it into one of the most prominent construction empires in New York City, with iconic projects like the Trump Tower.
Trump entered the political arena in 2015 when he announced his candidacy for the Republican presidential nomination. He won the 2016 election, defeating Hillary Clinton, and became the 45th President of the United States. His presidency was marked by numerous controversial decisions, policies, and actions, cementing his place as one of the most divisive figures in modern politics.
Much like Donald Trump, Imran Khan, the former cricket star turned politician in Pakistan, has undergone a similar trajectory in his rise to prominence. While Trump’s journey was in business and politics in the United States, Khan’s path was carved through sports and politics in Pakistan. Imran Khan became a household name after leading the Pakistani cricket team to victory in the 1992 Cricket World Cup, one of the country’s most significant sporting achievements. After retiring from cricket, Khan transitioned into politics, founding the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party in 1996.
Over the years, Khan’s journey in politics was not smooth. He faced numerous challenges in gaining political power, similar to Trump’s rise in the United States. However, Khan’s unorthodox approach to politics and his promise of a corruption-free Pakistan gained him significant popularity, especially among the youth. Just as Trump garnered widespread support from the American working-class population, Khan was able to secure the backing of Pakistan’s younger generation, who were eager for change in the country’s political landscape.
In both cases, their appeal was driven by their outsider status. Trump, with his business background, and Khan, with his cricket stardom, were not traditional politicians. Their unorthodox approaches and populist rhetoric resonated with a significant portion of the electorate, giving them the necessary push to secure their respective leadership positions. Khan’s political party, PTI, gained momentum over the years, and in 2018, Imran Khan became the Prime Minister of Pakistan.
The similarities between Trump and Imran Khan are striking in several ways. Both leaders were seen as non-traditional figures in their respective countries, outsiders who challenged the political establishment. Despite their different backgrounds, they tapped into the dissatisfaction of their country’s citizens with the traditional political elite and presented themselves as champions of the people.
One of the most glaring similarities is their appeal to the younger population. Both Trump and Khan garnered massive support from the youth, who viewed them as representatives of change. In both the United States and Pakistan, younger voters were drawn to their anti-establishment rhetoric, as well as their promises to shake up the political system. Both leaders capitalized on a sense of frustration and disillusionment with the status quo.
Furthermore, both Trump and Khan have faced intense scrutiny and controversy throughout their careers. Trump, with his outspoken nature and controversial statements, was often criticized for his behavior and policies. Similarly, Khan’s political journey has been marked by scandal and accusations, with many questioning his ability to govern effectively. However, despite these challenges, both leaders have managed to maintain a loyal and passionate following, particularly among their core supporters.
Another shared experience is the series of attacks that both leaders have faced. On July 13, 2024, Trump was the target of an assassination attempt in Butler, Pennsylvania. A rifle bullet grazed Trump’s ear, and despite the shock, he maintained his composure, continuing to raise his fist and shout “fight” as he was taken to the hospital. This incident drew parallels with an earlier attack on Imran Khan on November 3, 2022, during a political rally in Wazirabad, Pakistan. Khan was seriously injured in the attack but displayed remarkable courage by continuing to address his supporters after the incident. Both Trump and Khan’s responses to these assassination attempts highlighted their resilience and determination.
While Donald Trump’s political career has been filled with legal challenges, Imran Khan faces his own set of legal battles in Pakistan. As of now, Khan is embroiled in multiple cases, with several pending decisions. One of the most significant cases is the 190 million-dollar case, which has been delayed multiple times. On a recent Monday, when the court was supposed to deliver the verdict in this case, the proceedings were postponed. Khan’s legal team claimed they had been informed that the verdict would be delivered at 11 a.m., but the court did not proceed as scheduled. Despite these delays, the ongoing legal struggles and accusations against Khan have mirrored the challenges faced by Trump, who has also been involved in numerous legal issues during his time in office and beyond.
As Donald Trump prepares for another presidential term, the question arises: will Imran Khan follow a similar trajectory? While Trump has managed to secure his place in American politics, Khan’s future remains uncertain. Despite being the Prime Minister, Khan’s government faces a range of challenges, including economic issues, political opposition, and the ongoing legal battles. Just as Trump’s second term could shape the future of American politics, Khan’s political journey will significantly influence the direction of Pakistan’s political landscape.
Both leaders, despite their controversial and unconventional paths, have left an indelible mark on their countries’ political histories. Whether it’s through their populist appeal, legal struggles, or their resilience in the face of adversity, Imran Khan and Donald Trump have more in common than meets the eye. As they continue to navigate their respective political journeys, the world watches closely, wondering what the future holds for these two larger-than-life figures.
Source: The COW News
