As I watch former President Trump on the campaign trail, attempting to reclaim the White House, I feel compelled to share a fable that has been on my mind since his first impeachment trial in 2021. This fable from Arab culture, involving a wolf and a dog, provides a striking analogy to the perplexing loyalty many continue to show toward Trump —a man whose flaws are as glaring as his ambitions.
Before diving into the fable, it’s important to understand the cultural significance of dogs and wolves in Arab culture. Historically, the dog, despite being revered as a loyal companion and hunter, is also viewed by some as unclean and impure. This perspective is not unique to Arab culture; similar views are found in Jewish tradition, though Islamic teachings offer a more nuanced view. The Quran, for example, recounts the story of a dog that faithfully accompanied a group of righteous youths fleeing persecution, symbolizing loyalty and protection.
Conversely, the wolf is often admired in Arab culture, symbolizing courage, bravery, and strength. It’s not uncommon for someone to be praised as a "wolf" as a sign of respect. However, in the Christian tradition, the wolf has a much darker connotation, often symbolizing evil and a threat to the faithful flock, as depicted in the teachings of Jesus.
In the fable, a wolf and a dog meet and engage in a revealing conversation. The wolf asks the dog, “What have you learned from living with humans?” The dog replies, “When humans become angry with someone, they call them a dog.” Perplexed, the wolf asks, “Did you harm them? Did you betray them or hurt their children?” The dog responds, “No, I protect them with my life.”
The wolf then inquires, “What do they call their heroes?” With a heavy heart, the dog answers, “They call their heroes wolves.” Triumphantly, the wolf replies, “You see? I devour their sheep, betray them, and yet they admire me. Humans often love their oppressors and scorn those who protect them.”
This fable came to mind as I watched the impeachment trial of Donald Trump and his continued influence over a significant portion of the American electorate. It’s baffling how some individuals and political figures continue to support Trump, despite his numerous transgressions. The actions of key Republican leaders during and after Trump’s presidency eerily reflect the dynamics between the wolf and the dog.
The tendency to overlook serious flaws in a leader for perceived benefits is not a new phenomenon. We witnessed this in the late 1990s with President Bill Clinton. Despite being impeached for perjury and obstruction of justice—serious offenses by any measure—Clinton remained highly popular. His misconduct, primarily related to private matters, was downplayed by many who felt his policies and economic achievements outweighed his moral failings. This case illustrates how the “greater good” often leads people to excuse behaviors they might otherwise condemn. It also sets a precedent for how political figures like Trump could be similarly excused for far more significant breaches of public trust.
A recent development that further highlights this dynamic is the curious case of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who, despite his family’s long history with the Democratic Party, has recently endorsed Donald Trump. What’s even more surprising is the context of this endorsement—RFK Jr. was reportedly seeking a cabinet appointment from Trump, a move that starkly contrasts with his public persona of fighting against establishment corruption. This endorsement and the pursuit of a position in Trump’s administration reveal the lengths to which individuals will go, even those with a storied legacy, to align themselves with power, regardless of the moral compromises involved.
Take Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, for example. After Trump’s second impeachment trial, McConnell delivered a scathing rebuke, accusing Trump of a “disgraceful dereliction of duty.” Yet, when the moment came to convict Trump, McConnell abstained, arguing that the Senate could not convict an out-of-office president. His reasoning was hollow; he had the chance to convict Trump while he was still in office but chose not to act. Here, McConnell resembles the dog in the fable—loyal to his party, protecting it to the end, yet receiving nothing but disdain from those who continue to idolize Trump, the proverbial wolf.
Senator Lindsey Graham offers another example. Despite being repeatedly attacked and humiliated by Trump for not doing enough to support him, Graham continues to advocate for the former president, urging him to keep the “MAGA movement alive.” This unwavering support, even in the face of personal attacks, mirrors the fable’s depiction of humans admiring their tormentors.
Perhaps the most striking example is Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. During the 2016 Republican primaries, Trump insulted Cruz’s wife and accused his father of involvement in the Kennedy assassination. Despite these deeply personal attacks, Cruz became one of Trump’s most ardent supporters. This is a classic case of the wolf being revered even as it harms those who protect and support it.
The Arab fable of the wolf and the dog speaks to a timeless truth about human nature. People often admire those who oppress them, while those who remain loyal and protective are overlooked or scorned. This irony is starkly evident in the continued support for Trump among many Americans, despite the damage he has inflicted on democratic institutions and the rule of law.
As we approach another election cycle, it’s worth reflecting on why so many continue to admire the “wolf” in our midst. The fable suggests that this is not a new phenomenon but a deeply ingrained aspect of human behavior. Understanding this may not change minds, but it offers a lens through which we can better comprehend the perplexing loyalties of our time.