Trump is back, and back even stronger where 74.4 million people voted for him to be the leader of America, and, in fact, according to mainstream Western media, the leader of the free world.
Now, officially back in the White House, he’s kicking off his second term with a popularity rating of 47%, higher than during most of his first term, according to a Reuters poll.
So, is his way the way to become a leader?
Some theoretical perspectives agree with this reality in America. Here are three leadership emergence theories and one psychological framework that help explain Trump’s second coming.
First, Social Identity Leadership Theory explains how leadership isn’t about the leader but about shared identity.
Alex Haslam, in his book, argues that leadership arises from a sense of “us-ness.” Leaders and followers unite under a common social identity.
In Trump’s case, it’s MAGA. “Make America Great Again” serves as more than a slogan—it’s a shared banner for his followers. Trump capitalises on this collective identity to solidify his position as a leader.
Second, Situational Leadership Theory highlights that leaders emerge when their style matches what the situation demands. A time of peaceful reform? Yes, you’d want someone inspiring and persuasive to lead the transformation. But on a battlefield? You wouldn’t say no to a commanding, decisive leader.
Now, what’s the current situation in America? Internally, it’s ideological warfare. Issues like gender, immigration, and abortion divide the country. Externally, the nation is deeply entangled in two major geopolitical conflicts within Palestine/Gaza and Ukraine. So, does America need an inspirational leader or a commanding one? The theory suggests the latter, and the election result validates it.
Third, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs emphasises that people prioritise survival needs before higher ideals. Trump leverages this principle. Look at what’s happening in America: grocery bills are sky-high, gas prices are straining wallets, and inflation feels out of control.
Trump focuses on these immediate, tangible concerns, speaking directly to fears about unmet basic needs. By contrast, Democrats pushed forward issues like democracy, abortion rights, and climate change: important, but perceived as higher-order needs. The voters’ priorities were made clear.
So, do we follow Trump’s way? Well, not so fast.
Leadership emergence is only one piece of the puzzle. The other crucial pieces include leadership identity, morality, and legacy. Who do you become at the end of your leadership journey? What are your moral stands? And what legacy will you leave behind?
The example of Prophet Muhammad (s) shows us a different path. He embodied diverse leadership styles while staying firmly grounded in his beliefs, values, and morality. His legacy laid the foundation for one of the greatest civilisations on earth, excelling not only intellectually and economically but also spiritually.
As Muslim communities around the world, we are living proof of that enduring legacy, and it is our responsibility to uphold it. After all, Allah has already honoured us as the best nation or community (Quran 3:110).
So, perhaps, the calling is on us now to rise up and show that there is another way, one that goes beyond the way of Trump, in answering the question of who makes a leader or how leadership emerges.
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