Donald Trump: Mafia Style or Political Strategy?
Since his first term as U.S. President, Donald Trump has drawn widespread scrutiny for his unorthodox leadership style. His tough tactics toward Ukraine and other nations have been compared to a Mafia boss consolidating power—not without reason. For those familiar with Trump’s past, this behavior isn’t surprising but rather consistent with decades-old patterns rooted in his business beginnings in New York.
A New York State of Mind
Trump’s approach mirrors a negotiation style forged in the harsh world of New York real estate. According to contractors and associates from the 1980s, Trump was known for renegotiating contracts mid-project, withholding payments, and daring others to sue him—confident in his legal and financial advantage. It was less about legality and more about dominance, a hallmark of street-smart business maneuvering in a competitive city.
The Roy Cohn Influence
One pivotal figure in Trump’s rise was Roy Cohn, a powerful lawyer with ties to both elite New Yorkers and notorious Mafia families. Cohn mentored Trump, showing him how to manipulate legal gray zones and control narratives. His influence extended into Trump’s construction projects, which navigated industries historically influenced by organized crime.
In an era when the concrete business and labor unions were often under mob control, Cohn helped Trump “grease the wheels,” facilitating timely deliveries and avoiding costly delays. This real-world education in power dynamics shaped Trump’s approach to politics: favoring loyalty, commanding fear, and attacking publicly when threatened.
Foreign Policy or Personal Agenda?
Trump’s interactions with Ukraine reflect this playbook. From pressuring President Zelensky to bending narratives in public discourse, critics say he favors bullying the weak while aligning with authoritarian strength. Some view this as dangerous appeasement; others call it strategic realism. Either way, Trump’s worldview appears rooted in transactional loyalty rather than democratic norms.
Gangster or Just Ruthless?
Some, like actor Robert De Niro, go further. In his words, Trump isn’t a real gangster—he’s worse. “Even criminals have a moral code,” De Niro wrote. “Trump has none.” This critique, echoed by many New Yorkers who observed his rise, paints a portrait of a man driven not by ideology or service, but by ego, dominance, and image.
The Verdict Is Yours
While no direct links tie Trump to criminal acts like those attributed to Vladimir Putin, the comparison lingers in tone and behavior. For voters and observers worldwide, the question remains: Is it better to be ruled by an actual mafioso—or by someone who models himself after one?
As Trump positions himself for another political chapter, the debate over his methods intensifies. One thing is clear: the world may be shocked, but New Yorkers saw it coming long ago.
Written and adapted by this blog from an original analysis by Stash Luczkiw, Kyiv Post. The content has been reformulated to offer an original and accessible perspective for our audience.