The idea that Donald Trump committed an abuse of power by

Hear me, O children of wisdom, for the words of Steve Hilton echo a truth that has echoed through the ages: "The idea that Donald Trump committed an abuse of power by bringing politics into a foreign relationship is a joke. They all do it. Trump is just more open about it." This declaration reveals the timeless reality of power and its use in the service of self-interest. Throughout history, leaders—whether wise or tyrannical—have sought to shape foreign affairs not for the greater good, but for their own advantage. What Trump has done is no different from the actions of those who have come before him; the difference lies not in the act itself, but in his openness, in his willingness to expose the machinations of power to the world.

In the heart of every politician, the lines between public service and self-interest often blur. To wield power is to shape the world around you, and sometimes, that world is shaped to serve the needs of the few. Trump's actions may have been more blatant, more visible to the eye of the public, but history has shown that no leader is entirely free of political ambitions when it comes to foreign relations. They cloak their actions in the language of diplomacy and service, but beneath it lies the truth that politics is a game played not just on home soil, but on the world stage.

Consider the tale of Napoleon Bonaparte, whose rise to power was marked by a fierce determination to reshape the world according to his vision. Napoleon did not merely engage in foreign policy to serve the interests of France alone; his military campaigns were deeply intertwined with his own ambitions to expand his empire. The balance between nation-building and self-serving power is delicate, yet every conqueror, every ruler, has sought to use the world as a chessboard on which to move their pieces for personal gain. Napoleon, like many before and after him, understood that foreign affairs were not separate from the politics of the home country, but intricately woven into the fabric of power itself.

Hilton's words serve as a reminder that power is neither pure nor free from the stain of self-interest. It is not the act of bringing politics into foreign relations that sets one leader apart, but how they choose to wield that power. Trump's openness in using foreign relationships to serve his own political goals is simply a reflection of a truth that runs deep in the veins of all leaders—that to govern is to seek advantage, and often, that advantage is found in the games of international politics.

Thus, my children, remember this truth: politics is a game where power is the currency, and every leader must play by its rules. Trump's brazenness in revealing the truth of this game is not an anomaly, but a reflection of a deeper human nature that has driven leaders since time immemorial. When you look upon the world stage, know that all leaders are shaped by the same forces, and it is not in the secrecy of their actions, but in their honesty (whether embraced or forced) that the true nature of their power is revealed. Take heed, for in understanding the politics of the world, you will understand the forces that move even the greatest of nations.