Want to understand Donald Trump? Then watch macho 80s action movies

It's quite possible that Donald Trump doesn't differentiate between the phrases "strongman" and "strong man." During last month's presidential debate, Kamala Harris pointed out that global leaders were "laughing" at Trump. In reply, he referenced his endorsement from Hungary's authoritarian prime minister, Viktor Orbán, stating, "He's one of the most respected individuals—they refer to him as a strong man. He's tough and intelligent."

Two months prior to that debate, the Republican National Convention featured a standout figure – or at least someone who embodied a kitschy, exaggerated notion of strength from the 1980s. Hulk Hogan, the former face of the World Wrestling Federation (WWF), shot to fame as a larger-than-life character, representing American resilience and dominance. Throughout his career, Hogan took on various stereotypes associated with America’s adversaries, including the proud Iranian Iron Sheik, the proud Russian Nikolai Volkoff, and Sgt. Slaughter, a former US Marine who chose to side with Saddam Hussein. On this particular evening, Hulk Hogan attended the RNC to endorse Donald Trump's third run for president, a man who has successfully tapped into a powerful sense of nostalgia for an idealized version of the 1980s—a time known for its muscular action heroes, wrestlers, and bold displays of masculinity.

Donald Trump and Hulk Hogan have met at least once in the past. This encounter happened during Trump's booming real estate days in the 1980s, long before he ventured into politics—the time period represented in the new film, The Apprentice. In 1989, WrestleMania V took place at Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, marking the second consecutive WrestleMania event held in Trump's lavish casino. From the front row, Trump witnessed Hogan's victory over his former partner "Macho Man" Randy Savage, claiming the WWF (now WWE) Championship. At the Republican National Convention, Hogan reminisced about that night, saying, “I was bleeding heavily, but I won the world title right in front of Donald J. Trump! And you know what? He's going to win in November, and we will all be champions again when he does!”

Hulk Hogan has been embodying some form of his iconic character for many years. When he steps out of that role, less favorable aspects come to light, like the controversial 2007 tape where he was heard using racial slurs while in bed with a friend’s spouse. Still, Hogan has consistently attracted fans with his vibrant 80s persona, and that’s exactly what he brought to the stage at the Republican National Convention. He spared no effort in his performance, entering to his former theme song “Real American.” He delivered his signature catchphrases and dramatically tore open a T-shirt featuring a younger, shirtless image of himself proudly waving an American flag, revealing a Trump-Vance campaign shirt underneath.

Just days before Hogan's speech at the Republican National Convention, there was an attempt on Trump’s life. An assailant shot at him, resulting in the death of one supporter and leaving two others seriously injured. In a moment that could be straight out of a classic Hulk Hogan performance, Trump faced his audience right after the incident, shaking his fist and yelling passionately. The scene—blood on Trump’s face, Secret Service agents surrounding him, and the American flag waving in the background—was reminiscent of an image you might find on a Hogan T-shirt. Almost immediately, counterfeit shirts featuring the post-attack Trump started appearing at beachside souvenir shops across the country.

This simplified image of a strongman hero has always appealed to Trump. In a 1997 piece for The New Yorker, writer Mark Singer describes Trump flying to his Mar-a-Lago estate on his private 727 airplane, equipped with sturdy fixtures. Among the passengers was Ghislaine Maxwell, who was later found guilty of child sex trafficking. During the flight, Trump attempts to watch "Michael," the 1996 film by Norah Ephron featuring John Travolta as an angel who comes to Earth. However, he quickly loses interest and opts for a VHS copy of "Bloodsport," a 1988 movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme. At the time, Trump's son Eric, who was just 13, was given the important role of fast-forwarding through the story segments to get to the action scenes. (In fact, this is a perfectly acceptable way to enjoy "Bloodsport," and Trump is justified in calling it "an incredible, fantastic movie.")

Bloodsport serves as a prime example of the intense, muscle-driven masculinity that dominated action films in the 1980s. In the movie, Jean-Claude Van Damme portrays Frank Dux, a captain in the US Army who triumphs in the Kumite, a clandestine and illegal fight tournament. The plot draws inspiration from the real Frank Dux's tales, which were quickly debunked shortly after the film's release. However, the fabricated nature of Bloodsport's storyline didn’t diminish its appeal. Sometimes, an engaging narrative about an American who prevails over his rivals through unstoppable determination is more compelling than the truth. In Bloodsport, Frank Dux embodies strength and resilience.

The action films from the 80s and 90s were centered around a handful of well-known stars who showcased American power by battling various foes, both foreign and domestic. Some of these actors, such as Jean-Claude Van Damme and Arnold Schwarzenegger, were not born in America, but the stories hardly addressed their accents. Most of the protagonists were as muscular as Hulk Hogan, who also dabbled in Hollywood, tossing around Sylvester Stallone in a cameo in Rocky III and headlining a few of his own low-budget films. These action flicks featured straightforward, primal narratives that leaned into the idea of American exceptionalism. Donald Trump, a somewhat refined New York real estate tycoon whose personal life and financial woes were popular tabloid fodder during that era, seems like an unlikely symbol of such hyper-violent imagery, yet he has eagerly embraced that role.

For many years, the American presidency has reflected the nation's image in ways that connect with the film industry. John F. Kennedy mingled with Hollywood stars, embodying the same charisma seen in movie legends. Ronald Reagan was an actor who understood the art of looking cool on a horse, donning sunglasses, and dropping quotes from popular films like Rambo and Dirty Harry at just the right times. Donald Trump was already a well-known figure before he entered politics, with memorable appearances in 90s comedies such as Home Alone 2 and The Little Rascals. His fame grew even more in 2004 when he became the host of The Apprentice, a reality show where contestants showcased their sales skills. Trump himself became the symbol of what they all aspired to be—a different kind of action figure representing wealth and success.

As the big-budget action films of the late Cold War era lost their popularity, different aspects of American culture started to reflect the same kind of triumphant male dominance that those films once showcased. While "The Apprentice" helped shape a favorable public image of Trump, artists like 50 Cent began to present themselves as real-life action heroes. For years, Trump had been a favored reference in rap music. He embraced this attention, appearing on a Method Man album in 1998 and making an appearance on 50 Cent's G-Unit Radio in 2006. He also made a comeback in the wrestling scene.

In 2007, Trump participated in WrestleMania 23, where he and WWE chairman Vince McMahon selected wrestlers to represent them. In what was dubbed the “battle of the billionaires,” Trump’s fighter, Bobby Lashley, triumphed over McMahon’s competitor, Umaga. When McMahon attempted to disrupt the match, Trump responded by clotheslining him. After the match, Trump and Lashley shaved McMahon's head, which led to him sobbing. However, the most memorable moment from the event is Trump celebrating by throwing his fists in the air, a pose that closely resembles one he struck following the Pennsylvania shooting.

Trump gained recognition in the political arena by challenging the citizenship of Barack Obama, positioning himself as a champion ready to expose the hidden threats facing the nation. During his initial presidential run in 2016, he received support from celebrities like Jean-Claude Van Damme and Steven Seagal. While in office, Trump welcomed Sylvester Stallone to the White House and posthumously pardoned legendary boxer Jack Johnson. The one action star from the 80s who consistently opposed Trump was Arnold Schwarzenegger, who took over as the host of the revamped Apprentice. When Schwarzenegger's version struggled to succeed, Trump took the opportunity to publicly revel in its lack of popularity.

Everyone connected to Trump, whether they're action movie heroes or hip-hop stars, is contributing to his efforts to enhance his image as a decisive, powerful leader. This is the version of Donald Trump that his campaign showcases to the public. In the NFT trading cards he's been selling for significant amounts to his followers, a digitally created, exaggerated version of Trump is depicted, with a prominent chin and flexing muscles; it resembles a surreal, AI-generated visualization of his perception of himself as a strongman.

In reality, Donald Trump might be a self-centered businessman with several felony convictions, yet he continues to shape his persona as a relentless champion determined to defeat his adversaries, who he claims are also foes of the United States. In this narrative, he embodies the larger-than-life ideal of the 1980s, much like a version of Hulk Hogan battling in a completely different context. It won't be long before we see whether American voters are convinced by his tough-guy persona.