Could Donald Trump become an American folk hero?

The thought of Trump as an American folk hero may distress those eager to consign him to oblivion, but he already exhibits some of the credentials necessary for admission into the body of American folklore. To begin with, mythical actions and words attributed to Trump proliferate on the Internet, ranging from claims that he refers to himself as the “second coming of God” and the “chosen one,” to stories that he paid off the mortgage of a passing motorist who fixed a flat tire on Trump’s limo.

In folklore, heroes engage in eternal struggles, battle adversaries near and far, evoke fear in foes, and defend their followers against archenemies. At different times, Americans have ascribed heroic status to George Washington, Davy Crockett, Robert E. Lee and Douglas MacArthur.

To millions, Trump stands as a hero against socialism, immigration, multiculturalism and the deep state. When he called for his followers to join him in disrupting the ceremonial presidential election count, thousands flocked to the Capitol. And, while progressives may accuse Trump of crimes, his followers dismiss these accusations as persecution. In Trump, they see a hero with glamor, generosity and charisma, who sticks it to the “libs.”