The Shocking Parallels Between King Jehu and Donald Trump
History often remembers leaders who rise through upheaval, bringing drastic reform. Some leave a legacy of restoration, while others are marked by unfinished change. King Jehu of Israel and President Donald Trump are two such figures—disruptors who challenged the establishment, waged war on what they deemed corruption and immorality, and took swift action to reshape their nations.
Jehu’s story is one of violence and zealotry, a warrior-king who eradicated Baal worship and the remnants of Ahab’s dynasty. Trump, though not a military leader, returned to office with a mission to undo what he perceived as “immoral” policies, remove entrenched officials, and establish a new order. The parallels between the ancient ruler and the modern president are striking, raising the question: Is history repeating itself?
The Rise to Power
Jehu was not born into royalty. He was a military commander under King Ahab and later King Joram, both of whom led Israel into idolatry and corruption. His rise began when the prophet Elisha, following instructions from God, anointed Jehu as king over Israel (2 Kings 9:1-10). The prophet declared that Jehu was chosen to execute judgment on the house of Ahab, which had led Israel into child sacrifice and sexual immorality.
Trump’s ascent to power also came as an outsider. A businessman with no prior political experience, he entered the 2016 election with a promise to “drain the swamp” and remove corruption in Washington. He won the presidency largely with support from Christians who believed he would restore conservative values, strengthen America’s global standing, and protect religious freedom.
After losing the 2020 election, Trump returned to the political stage, determined to reclaim power. Despite legal battles, opposition from the media, and internal challenges within his own party, he launched a successful reelection campaign in 2024, once again propelled by a base that saw him as a fighter against the cultural and political elites.
Purging the Old Order
Jehu wasted no time in fulfilling his mission. This “madman” rode his chariot to confront King Joram of Israel and King Ahaziah of Judah. In a swift and brutal encounter, he killed Joram with an arrow to the heart and mortally wounded Ahaziah (2 Kings 9:14-29). He then turned his attention to Jezebel, Ahab’s infamous queen, who had led Israel deep into idolatry, sexual promiscuity, and perversion. Jehu ordered two or three eunachs to throw her from a window. Her body was devoured by dogs, fulfilling Elijah’s prophecy (2 Kings 9:30-37).
Trump’s second term began with immediate action. On January 20, 2025, he signed an omnibus executive order rescinding 78 policies from the Biden administration. These included regulations on environmental protections, abortion-related funding, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Many saw this as a direct attack on the LGBT community. His administration also fired key officials tied to previous policies and dissolved oversight boards filled with Democratic appointees.
Jehu did not stop with the death of Jezebel. He systematically eliminated Ahab’s descendants, ordering the beheading of 70 of his sons and executing Ahab’s officials, priests, and allies (2 Kings 10:1-14). He then turned to the prophets and worshippers of Baal, deceiving them into gathering for a grand religious ceremony before having them slaughtered and their temple burned (2 Kings 10:18-28).
Trump’s policies, while not violent, reflected a similar drive to dismantle what he saw as a corrupt system. He reinstated the “Remain in Mexico” policy for asylum seekers, declared cartels as terrorist organizations, and launched widespread deportations. He removed high-ranking intelligence officials, disbanded several diversity-focused programs in federal agencies, and withdrew from international agreements he viewed as threats to U.S. sovereignty.
A Nation Divided
Despite Jehu’s zeal, his reforms did not lead to long-term peace. While he eliminated Baal worship, he allowed the golden calf worship established by Jeroboam to continue (2 Kings 10:29-31). His dynasty lasted four generations, but Israel remained politically unstable, suffering from wars and external oppression.
Trump faces a similar challenge. Though he has aggressively pursued his policies, opposition remains strong. Legal battles continue over his executive actions, bureaucracies resist enforcement of his orders, and protests erupt over immigration, education, and foreign policy. His administration’s efforts to revoke birthright citizenship, ban certain ideological teachings in schools, and restrict federal funding to progressive initiatives face constant court challenges.
The Final Battle?
One of Jehu’s defining moments was his willingness to act ruthlessly in what he saw as a divine mission. He believed his actions were sanctioned by God to cleanse Israel. Trump, too, is often portrayed by supporters as a figure chosen for this moment in history.
Perhaps the most consequential move of Trump’s second term is his foreign policy shift. In his third week in office, Trump proposed a U.S. takeover of Gaza, suggesting the deployment of troops to stabilize the region and bring peace to Israel. His administration has also escalated efforts to reduce U.S. dependence on China, challenge Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and reinforce alliances with conservative-leaning governments.
A Legacy of Disruption
Jehu’s story is one of upheaval, a man who carried out God’s judgment but failed to fully restore Israel. His legacy is debated—was he a hero or merely an instrument of destruction?
Trump’s presidency will be judged similarly. He has reshaped the Supreme Court, overturned policies entrenched in Washington for decades, and inspired a political movement that will likely outlast his time in office. As history unfolds, the parallels between the warrior-king and the modern president continue to raise questions about power, justice, and the cost of reform.