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Man In The Arena

January 2025: Trump’s Return to the Arena—A Lesson in Resilience

Donald Trump’s election as the 47th president of the United States, and yesterday’s Inauguration, officially places him back behind the Resolute Desk, a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and leadership.

Regardless of your stance on his presidency, Trump’s energy, passion, and unwavering commitment make him a gladiator in the arena of public opinion. Throughout his career, he has faced attempts on his life, raw criticism, legal battles, and personal attacks but continues to fight for his place in history.

The Resolute Desk, crafted from the oak timbers of the British ship H.M.S. Resolute, has stood in the Oval Office for over 140 years. It represents the enduring qualities of leadership—resilience, survival, and the weight of responsibility. From President Rutherford B. Hayes to of late, 46th President Joe Biden, it has witnessed pivotal moments in U.S. history. Its legacy mirrors the persistence needed to navigate the ever-changing political arena.

The Resolute Desk

The Resolute Desk: A Legacy of Survival

The Resolute Desk’s origins are as remarkable as its symbolic weight. In the mid-1800s, the H.M.S. Resolute was trapped in Arctic ice during an ill-fated expedition. Abandoned by its crew, the ship was later found by an American whaling ship, repaired, and returned to Britain. Queen Victoria gifted the desk made from the ship’s timbers to President Hayes in 1880 as a symbol of U.S.-British goodwill.

This story of survival and adaptation echoes the trials of leadership, reminding us that resilience in the face of adversity is key to moving forward. Like the Resolute ship, we too may face moments of feeling “stuck” or beyond hope. Yet, through perseverance and adaptability, we can endure and thrive. Trump’s return to the presidency is a modern example of this spirit.

Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” Speech

In 1910, Theodore Roosevelt delivered his famous “Man in the Arena” speech, urging leaders to embrace struggle and failure as part of the journey. Roosevelt argued that true leadership is not about avoiding failure but about stepping into the arena, facing challenges, and continuing to strive despite setbacks. His words ring especially true today:

• “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

The Return to the Arena

Trump’s pursuit of the presidency for a second term exemplifies Roosevelt’s message. He has proven indomitable resilience and like the “man in the arena,” Trump refused to be sidelined. His critics argued he should step aside, but Trump continued to engage in the political fray, demonstrating that leadership is not about perfection but about persistence. And working tirelessly for the betterment of the nation, and not being hyper focused on politically motivated lawfare and self-dealing.

The Weight of Public (and Media) Scrutiny

Politics, especially the presidency, is fraught with public judgment. Roosevelt’s speech reminds us that it’s not the critics who count, but those who dare to act. Trump’s political career has been defined by intense public and media scrutiny, including impeachment trials and media attacks, yet he has remained steadfast. His resilience—his willingness to continue despite public judgment—embodies the essence of Roosevelt’s “man in the arena.” Trump’s (47th) presidency win is an exemplary lesson in fierce work ethic and fearless persistence.

Adaptability and Persistence in Leadership

One of the core lessons of Roosevelt’s speech is the need for adaptability and persistence. Trump’s political journey, marked by his response to the pandemic and challenges from both within and outside his party, showcases his ability to evolve in the face of shifting circumstances. His return to the political scene in 2024 is a testament to his determination and resilience, even in the face of adversity.

Leadership, like survival, is a dynamic process. It’s about embracing obstacles and continuing forward, much like the Resolute Desk has stood firm through changing presidencies and historical upheavals. Whether in personal struggles or national leadership, the true test of leadership is not avoiding failure, but learning from it and moving forward with resolve.

Almost a decade ago: Norcross, GA, USA – October 10, 2015: Presidential candidate and Republican party nominee Donald Trump giving a speech at a rally in Georgia

A New Year’s Resolution: Dare Greatly

As we reflect on the past and move into the future, fresh into both a new year, and a new presidential administration, the Resolute Desk and Roosevelt’s words serve as a call to action: to dare greatly, face challenges head-on, and keep striving, no matter the difficulties. Trump’s decision to return to the political arena, despite the many challenges ahead, embodies this principle. He could have chosen to step aside, but instead, he chose to fight, knowing the personal and public costs.

Here is part of President Trump’s Inauguration speech:

• “…In recent years, our nation has suffered greatly. But we are going to bring it back and make it great again, greater than ever before.  We will be a nation like no other, full of compassion, courage, and exceptionalism.  Our power will stop all wars and bring a new spirit of unity to a world that has been angry, violent, and totally unpredictable.  America will be respected again and admired again, including by people of religion, faith, and goodwill.  We will be prosperous, we will be proud, we will be strong, and we will win like never before.  We will not be conquered, we will not be intimidated, we will not be broken, and we will not fail.  From this day on, the United States of America will be a free, sovereign, and independent nation.  We will stand bravely, we will live proudly, we will dream boldly, and nothing will stand in our way because we are Americans.  The future is ours, and our golden age has just begun.  Thank you.  God bless America…

Recap: A Leader’s Resolve

Trump’s 2024 election embodies the principles of Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena.” His return to the political stage is a powerful example of resilience, persistence, and the courage to continue despite adversity. Roosevelt’s speech reminds us that true leadership is not about avoiding mistakes, but about daring to continue, to engage in the struggle, and to learn and grow from it.

Whether you agree with Trump’s policies or not, his refusal to step away from the political arena, despite personal and public challenges, reflects the essence of the “man in the arena”: a leader who dares greatly, perseveres, and continues to shape the future.

We should all be hopeful for America’s new golden age, with tangible progress – that journey appears to have already begun.

Change is good and we ought to be thankful for a bold brand of leadership.

One with fierce determination and hard work.

President Trump’s Administration

https://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/

President Trump’s Inaugural Address:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/remarks/2025/01/the-inaugural-address/