“The Don is often surrounded by a close circle of trusted advisors and family members, managing alliances, rivalries, and the complex dynamics of the criminal underworld. It's a position of immense power, but one that also carries significant risks due to potential betrayal, rival conflicts, or law enforcement pressures. The title signifies the highest position of authority within the organization, with the Don overseeing all operations, making critical decisions, and maintaining order within the group.”
MS Copilot
I voted for the Don.
But I gotta tell ya, his actions remind me of the Italian variety.
How so?
Well, for starters, the legal actions by the other “mob” previously in power, exerting “law enforcement pressures” on him.
His actions of figuratively “offing” thousands among “mob” rivals in government (as he did in business)who he feels will continue to betray his operation.
His honed skill at deal making which often involves bluster, threats and intimidation. His statements involving Panama, Canada and Greenland come to mind.
His laser focus on his “family” the United States, above any other nation which many consider to be in opposition to a “moral position”.
The most notorious example is his treatment of Ukraine. The analogy is the shop owner (Ukraine) who is in a financially (militarily) tough spot. He needs a loan (protection). The Don suggests sharing his (Ukraine's) profits in exchange for a very high interest loan (protection). The Don knows that this is ultimately “a deal he can’t (is in no position t0) refuse.
To throw in another analogy from nature: Ukraine is a wounded animal. There are sheep (European nations) all around him that are trying to help, but are afraid and out-muscled. There are two hyaenas (Russia, the antagonist) and the United States, both after Ukraine for what it can offer, albeit for different reasons. The Don, in this case, is the second hyaena, who is after the spoils of Ukraine, the wounded animal. The wounded animal has little choice.
The Don is disliked by many within his family (the United States) for what they see as the immorality of his tactics, his “style” his “tone”. The others, who support him, understand all his efforts, despite the perceived amorality and blustery style, are all being done for the good of the “family”, the United States. He promises to make everyone "rich" again.
This is the way nations survive. This is the way it is, the way it will be, and many will agree, the way it has been throughout history.