The Ancient Tactic Donald Trump is Using to Fool Millions – Are You Falling for It?

We’re going to explore how the tactics of Rabshakeh, an Assyrian envoy, bear an uncanny resemblance to Donald Trump’s communication style as he seeks to reclaim the presidency. Buckle up for this insightful adventure—one that will shed light on the power of rhetoric, fear, and manipulation, both in ancient times and in today’s political landscape.

Who Was Rabshakeh?

Let’s start with a little history lesson. Rabshakeh was the chief envoy of King Sennacherib of Assyria, and his story unfolds in 2 Kings 18-19 and Isaiah 36-37. Rabshakeh was no ordinary messenger—he was a master manipulator, sent to intimidate King Hezekiah of Judah and persuade the people of Jerusalem to surrender without a fight. Standing outside the city walls, he used fear, doubt, and half-truths to weaken the people’s confidence in their king and, even more disturbingly, in God.

Rabshakeh’s tactics were simple but effective: spread fear, erode trust, manipulate the truth, and offer hollow promises of a better future under Assyrian rule. Sound familiar? Fast forward to today, and you might notice a striking resemblance to the rhetoric used by a certain political figure who’s been dominating the headlines—Donald Trump. Now, don’t get me wrong—this is not about political affiliations. It’s about recognizing patterns of manipulation and encouraging a more critical approach to the messages we hear, especially during an election campaign.

The Echoes of Rabshakeh in Modern Politics

So how exactly does Trump’s communication style mirror Rabshakeh’s? Let’s dive deeper into the tactics used by both and uncover the striking parallels that can help us see through the smoke and mirrors.

1. Fear-Mongering and Intimidation

One of Rabshakeh’s most powerful tools was fear. Standing outside Jerusalem, he shouted threats and painted a grim picture of what would happen if the people didn’t surrender to the Assyrians. He exaggerated the might of his army and made it seem like resistance was futile.

Trump, too, has mastered the art of fear-mongering. Whether it’s through rally speeches or social media, he often paints a picture of impending disaster if he’s not in power. Economic collapse, societal chaos, and foreign threats are all part of the narrative—one where he’s cast as the only figure capable of averting doom.

Example: During his rallies, Trump often declares that America is on the brink of catastrophe, from economic ruin to cultural decay. “Only I can fix it,” he says, creating an atmosphere where people feel they must support him out of fear for the future rather than confidence in his policies.

2. Sowing Division and Distrust

Rabshakeh didn’t stop at fear; he also sowed division and distrust. He urged the people of Jerusalem to doubt King Hezekiah, claiming that the king’s leadership was flawed and even questioning their faith in God.

Similarly, Trump often encourages his followers to distrust key institutions—from the media to government agencies, even questioning the integrity of elections. By labeling anything critical of him as “fake news” or “rigged,” he erodes public confidence in the very systems that are meant to hold leaders accountable.

Example: The false claims that the 2020 election was stolen have sown widespread distrust in the electoral process. Despite numerous recounts and court rulings proving otherwise, the narrative persists, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the democratic system itself.

3. Manipulating Language and Facts

Rabshakeh was a clever communicator. He spoke in Hebrew, the language of the people, to ensure his threats and propaganda reached their ears directly. He twisted facts and used half-truths to confuse and manipulate.

Trump, known for his direct communication style, particularly through social media, follows a similar playbook. His posts are often bold and attention-grabbing, but not always accurate. By bypassing traditional media outlets, he speaks directly to his base, presenting his version of events in ways that can be hard to fact-check in real-time.

Example: From crowd size exaggerations at his inauguration to unfounded claims about his opponents, Trump’s manipulation of facts has become part of his political brand. These misleading statements are often accepted by his followers as truth, even when they contradict verified facts.

4. Offering Empty Promises

Rabshakeh tempted the people of Jerusalem with promises of a better life under Assyrian rule. He dangled the hope of prosperity, telling them that if they surrendered, they would be taken to a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Of course, these promises were hollow—meant only to weaken their resolve.

Trump’s slogan “Make America Great Again” similarly plays on the hope for a better future, but often lacks the specifics of how such a transformation will be achieved. While the promise of greatness is appealing, many of his bold claims—whether it’s building a border wall funded by Mexico or restoring entire industries—are more rhetoric than reality.

Example: Take the repeated promise to revive American manufacturing. While the idea resonates with many, the complex economic factors involved mean that simple solutions like tariffs or trade deals rarely bring about the sweeping changes promised.

The Psychology Behind the Tactics

You might be wondering—why do these tactics work so well? The answer lies in human psychology. Fear and hope are powerful motivators, and when someone taps into these emotions, they can bypass critical thinking. Let’s break it down:

Fear as a Motivator

When we’re afraid, our brains tend to prioritize safety over reason. This is why fear-based messages can be so effective—they create a sense of urgency that makes people more likely to accept authoritarian leadership as a solution to their problems.

Desire for Belonging

We all want to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves. Charismatic leaders like Trump create an “us vs. them” mentality that strengthens group identity. This sense of belonging can make followers more loyal and less likely to question the leader’s claims.

Information Overload and Misinformation

In today’s digital age, we’re bombarded with more information than ever before. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, and in that state, simple narratives—even if they’re misleading—can be more appealing than complicated truths.

Seeing Through the Veil

So, how can we protect ourselves from falling victim to these tactics? Here are a few tips:

1. Seek Multiple Sources

Don’t rely on a single source for information. Cross-check news stories and seek out reputable outlets to ensure you’re getting a balanced perspective.

2. Question Bold Claims

If a statement sounds too extreme or too good to be true, take a moment to investigate. Look for evidence before accepting any claim at face value.

3. Reflect on Emotional Responses

If a political message makes you feel overly emotional—whether it’s anger, fear, or excitement—pause and ask yourself why. Leaders who manipulate emotions often do so to cloud judgment.

Biblical Wisdom for Modern Times

The Bible offers timeless wisdom on how to deal with deceit and manipulation. Consider these verses:

• Proverbs 14:15: “The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps.”
• 2 Timothy 1:7: “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”
• Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.”

Standing Firm in Truth

The story of Rabshakeh reminds us that words are powerful tools that can be used to deceive and divide. Just as King Hezekiah turned to God and the prophet Isaiah for guidance in the face of Rabshakeh’s manipulative rhetoric, we too should seek wisdom and discernment in the face of modern-day tactics of fear and deception.

As we navigate the turbulent waters of today’s political landscape, let’s remain committed to truth, compassion, and unity. By doing so, we can rise above the noise and stand firm in the values that truly matter.

Stay blessed, stay wise, and as always, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).