A recent social media post by the pseudonymous far-right figure known as "Bronze Age Pervert" (BAP) has drawn attention for its unusual assertion, declaring former President Donald Trump a "preserver of dharma." The tweet, disseminated by @BronzeAgePervert, stated, "Trump, preserver of dharma." This statement positions Trump within an esoteric framework that contrasts sharply with mainstream political or religious discourse.
BAP, identified by media outlets as Costin Vlad Alamariu, is a prominent online personality associated with the manosphere and the radical right. His self-published 2018 book, Bronze Age Mindset, and subsequent writings promote anti-modern, anti-egalitarian, and pseudo-Nietzschean ideologies, advocating for a return to what he perceives as heroic, masculine ideals of classical antiquity and denouncing contemporary society as decadent. His work has garnered a significant following among certain segments of the online right, including some former Trump administration staffers.
The term "dharma" originates from Indian religions, notably Hinduism and Buddhism, where it signifies cosmic law, righteous conduct, moral duty, or the path of truth and righteousness. Its usage by BAP in relation to Donald Trump deviates significantly from its traditional spiritual meaning. Instead, it appears to be a reinterpretation within BAP's unique philosophical lens, which often glorifies strong, decisive figures who challenge perceived societal decay.
While some niche discussions have previously linked Donald Trump to spiritual or philosophical concepts—such as a Chinese artist's "Trump Buddha" statue or academic analyses of Steve Bannon's "dharma warrior" rhetoric—these instances are typically satirical, critical, or confined to specific ideological interpretations. They do not reflect a widespread or traditional application of "dharma" to the former president.
Analysts of BAP's ideology suggest that his provocative statements, often laced with irony and anti-liberal sentiment, serve to galvanize his base and challenge conventional thought. The attribution of "preserver of dharma" to Trump, therefore, likely functions as an attempt to elevate Trump's persona within BAP's vision of a natural, hierarchical order, rather than a literal religious endorsement. This statement underscores the ongoing trend of controversial figures using esoteric language to frame political leaders within their distinct, often radical, worldviews.