Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie says Trump’s administration reminds her of a Nigerian government
Celebrated Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie has drawn global attention once again — this time with a blunt critique of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, comparing its style of governance to that of a typical African dictatorship.
In a recent interview aired on the CBC network, the Americanah and Half of a Yellow Sun author expressed her disillusionment with the state of American democracy, stating that under Trump, the U.S. no longer lived up to the global ideals it once represented.
“America no longer feels aspirational to me… The present administration in the U.S. just feels to me like a Nigerian government. It really does feel like America is being governed by an ‘African Big Man’,” she said.
‘African Big Man’ politics in America?
The term “African Big Man” typically refers to authoritarian-style leadership often characterized by corruption, strongman politics, nepotism, and a disregard for democratic norms. Adichie’s comparison suggests she sees striking similarities between Trump’s leadership and some of the political dysfunctions found in parts of Africa.
A familiar critic of power
Adichie, who has long been vocal about power, democracy, and inequality, has never shied away from criticizing governments both at home and abroad. Her latest comments have sparked both support and controversy on social media, with many echoing her concerns, while others debate the fairness of her comparison.
As the U.S. enters a new political era, and Trump remains a potent figure in American politics, Adichie’s words continue to challenge global audiences to think critically about what true leadership — and democracy — should look like.
