Donald Trump and Imran Khan, two leaders from vastly different parts of the world, seem worlds apart at first glance. However, the differences blur when examining how both men dominated the political landscape as leaders of populist movements, each surrounded by their own set of controversies.
Beneath their similarities lie clear differences in the political, cultural, and personal contexts that shaped their leadership. Let’s explore the striking parallels and contrasting elements of their political journeys.
Rising as Populist Outsiders
Both Trump and Khan entered politics as outsiders. Trump, a billionaire businessman, had no prior political experience. Yet, in the 2016 U.S. presidential election, he branded himself as an anti-establishment candidate. He vowed to “drain the swamp” of Washington insiders and champion the “forgotten man.”
Similarly, Imran Khan, a former cricket hero turned philanthropist, assumed the role of an outsider in Pakistani politics. His party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), painted the political elite as corrupt and disconnected from the people. Khan promised to break the dominance of Pakistan’s two main political parties, resonating with voters tired of the status quo.
In both cases, the message was clear: the system is broken, and only an outsider can fix it.
Charisma and Controversy Go Hand in Hand
Trump’s bold and often inflammatory speeches fired up a fiercely loyal base, while Khan’s cricket legacy and fearless leadership earned him similar devotion, especially among younger voters.
However, their charisma came at a cost. Trump faced impeachment, accusations of racism, and criticism for mishandling the COVID-19 pandemic. His claims of election fraud after losing the 2020 election only added to the controversies.
Khan’s time as prime minister saw similar turmoil. He faced accusations of failing to deliver on economic promises despite the figures saying otherwise and of yielding to military influence. Despite these challenges, both leaders managed to strengthen their core supporters. For them, bad publicity didn’t exist—controversy only solidified their standing.
Different Shades of Populism
While both leaders embraced populism, the content of their messages differed. Trump’s populism revolved around nationalism, with his “America First” agenda focusing on restoring jobs, renegotiating trade deals, and curbing immigration. His rhetoric leaned toward protectionism and isolationism.
Khan, on the other hand, championed social justice and anti-corruption. Although Khan has been a supporter of free market and his policies such as Amnesty Scheme for real estate depicted capitalist approach, He also promised to uplift Pakistan’s lower and middle classes through institutional reforms and envisioned an “Islamic welfare state.” While Trump’s message centered on America reclaiming its identity in a globalized world, Khan sought to reform a system plagued by corruption and inefficiency.
A Love-Hate Relationship with the Media
Both Trump and Khan had complicated relationships with the media. Trump famously labeled outlets like CNN and The New York Times as “fake news,” which only increased his appeal among his base. He relied heavily on social media, especially Twitter, to bypass traditional media and communicate directly with his supporters.
Khan, too, experienced a love-hate dynamic with the media. Early on, favorable coverage helped his rise to political prominence. However, as prime minister, he faced harsh criticism from both local and international outlets. He accused the media such as Geo News of bias and was accused in turn of curbing press freedom. Like Trump, Khan’s supporters turned to social media, using platforms like Twitter to spread his message and engage in political discourse.
Similar Falls from Grace
Both Trump and Khan experienced dramatic falls from power. After losing the 2020 U.S. election, Trump’s refusal to concede led to the storming of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. His claims of widespread election fraud deepened divisions within his party and resulted in his second impeachment.
Khan faced a similar crisis in 2022 when he lost power through a parliamentary vote of no confidence. He and his supporters blamed opposition parties and foreign powers, particularly the U.S., for conspiring against him. Like Trump, Khan’s rhetoric about an “illegitimate” ouster sparked protests across the country.
Different Personal Histories, Similar Ambitions
Perhaps the biggest difference lies in their personal backgrounds. Trump, born into wealth, inherited his father’s real estate empire. His rise to fame came through business ventures and reality TV, where he cultivated a larger-than-life persona built around luxury and success.
Khan, in contrast, was born into an upper-middle-class family in Lahore, Pakistan. He first gained fame as a cricketer, leading Pakistan to its first World Cup victory in 1992. Khan had many shades to his personality, a cricketer to a playboy and after retiring from sports, he focused on philanthropy, founding the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital. He later transitioned into politics, drawing on national pride and his charitable work to build his political career.
Conclusion: Two Outsiders, One Message
Though Trump and Khan come from different cultural and political backgrounds, their careers share striking parallels. Both leaders tapped into the frustrations of ordinary citizens, rallied against the elites, and promised to disrupt the status quo. Despite their many flaws, they inspired millions to believe in the power of an outsider to bring change, leaving a lasting mark on the political histories of both Washington and Islamabad.