Dan Rather, the veteran broadcast journalist and former anchor of “CBS Evening News,” recently shared a poignant proverb on Facebook that seemed directed at President Donald Trump. The post quickly garnered nearly one million likes and over 60,000 comments, indicating a strong reaction from the public.
The proverb Rather shared reads, “When a clown moves into a palace he doesn’t become a king, the palace instead becomes a circus. — Turkish proverb.” This metaphorical statement appears to be a commentary on Trump’s administration, suggesting that his leadership has transformed the White House into a chaotic and unpredictable environment.
In response to the post, Rather also shared a recent article discussing Trump’s implementation of steep international tariffs and their impact on the U.S. economy. This further reinforced the notion that the proverb was a pointed critique of the president’s policies and actions.
The idea of a clown taking over a palace struck a chord with many individuals who commented on Rather’s post. Some expressed fear and concern over the current state of affairs in the White House, with one user remarking, “Perfect description of what is going on right now. I never understood people’s fear of clowns, until now…”
It is worth noting that the proverb itself likely originated with the Circassians, a Sunni Muslim group from the Northwestern Caucasus, and is not specifically Turkish. This detail was highlighted by the newspaper Türkiye Today after NBA star LeBron James also shared the same proverb on Instagram earlier this year.
Despite the cultural origins of the proverb, many users on Rather’s post agreed that it aptly reflected the reality of American politics under Trump’s presidency. The comparison between the clown in a palace and the current administration resonated with individuals who perceive a sense of chaos and instability in the government.
Dan Rather, known for his extensive coverage of significant historical events, such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Gulf War, and 9/11, has continued to share his political insights in retirement. He has utilized platforms like Facebook and Substack to engage with audiences and offer commentary on contemporary political issues.
Overall, Rather’s use of the Turkish proverb to critique Trump’s leadership style has sparked a meaningful discussion about the current state of American politics and the role of leadership in shaping national discourse. As the public continues to grapple with ongoing challenges and uncertainties, voices like Rather’s serve as important sources of analysis and reflection on the state of the nation.
