Dante Alighieri’s epic poem The Divine Comedy delineates a vivid afterlife structured into three realms: hell, purgatory, and heaven. Central to Dante’s depiction of hell is its nine circles, where sin is punished according to its severity, culminating in the frozen depths where Satan resides, reserved for the most heinous of sinners—traitors. Notable figures such as Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus, and Brutus and Cassius, who betrayed Julius Caesar, find their eternal punishment in this desolate circle. In a contemporary context, the betrayal seen in the aftermath of the 2020 presidential election—often referred to as electoral theft by Trump supporters—has drawn comparisons to Dante’s depiction of betrayal in hell. Some liken the actions of political adversaries as treacherous, warranting a place in the Inferno for those who subverted the will of the people, thus framing modern political dynamics as a reenactment of ancient narratives.
The reactions to Donald Trump’s election in 2016, which shocked the political landscape, set the stage for a polarized environment. This was strikingly evident during the 2017 Shakespeare in the Park production of Julius Caesar, where Caesar was portrayed as a character reminiscent of Trump, emphasizing assassination as a form of political resistance. This artistic representation serves to highlight the perspective of the left during these turbulent political times, casting Trump not as a victim but as the embodiment of tyranny. Yet, both Dante and Shakespeare arguably portray the act of killing a ruler, even a tyrant, as an act of treachery. This theatrical framing showcases the anger and desperation of those on the left, as they grappled with what they perceived as a loss of justice and morality within the American political framework.
Trump’s rule has been mired in controversy, particularly after the contentious events of November 2020 and January 6, 2021, which many view as a Color Revolution aimed at disenfranchising a president who garnered substantial support. Criticism has been directed at Trump for seeming to abandon his leadership responsibilities amid growing chaos and accusations of electoral fraud. Important figures within his inner circle, including then-Vice President Mike Pence, are seen as betrayers who undermined his authority. The advice given to Trump by supposed loyalists is depicted as cowardly and treacherous, suggesting that their counsel led him to impotence in a critical time for his administration. This internal betrayal suggests parallels with Dante’s work, where betrayal from those closest to someone leads to catastrophic ends.
A particularly noteworthy moment emerged during testimony by Pat Philbin, Trump’s Deputy White House Counsel. His revelations about the internal tumult and treachery within the administration provide a clearer view of the political intrigue surrounding Trump’s efforts to challenge the election results. Philbin’s reflections on Jeffrey Clark, a DOJ official advocating for election fraud investigations, reveal a deep rift between those secretly aligned with accusations of electoral fraud and those maintaining the status quo. As Philbin warned of riots that would ensue if Trump proceeded to dispute the election outcome, his stance underscores the tension between duty and loyalty – a core conflict within political circles historically depicted in literature.
The narrative surrounding the chaotic days following the election has been shaped dramatically by partisan lenses. Media portrayals, particularly from outlets like Politico, spin the events as Trump’s dictatorial attempts to hold onto power in the wake of his loss. Accusations against Trump supporters illustrate a concerted effort to frame the narrative of insurrection falsely. Thus, the discourse has evolved into a battle of interpretations: those aligned against Trump depict him as an antagonist undermining democracy, while his supporters reclaim the narrative of being wronged by systemic betrayal, thereby positioning them as the true patriots in their quest for electoral integrity.
Amid the ongoing turmoil, many recognize the presence of not just adversaries but also true allies within Trump’s circle. Key figures like General Michael Flynn and attorney Sidney Powell have been vocal supporters pushing back against the alleged stolen election narrative. Their efforts, though thwarted by internal betrayal, represent a hopeful faction within the broader movement seeking justice and truth regarding the election outcomes. However, these efforts were persistently stymied by individuals who conspired to protect their interests over the presidency. The layered battles during this period are reminiscent of history’s great political upheavals, reflecting the classic narratives of power struggle, loyalty, and betrayal defined by literary giants like Dante and Shakespeare, drawing connections between past and present political landscapes in a quest for fidelity to truth.