I was surprised recently to learn that Donald Trump has been signing his tariff documents “With Best Wishes, I am, Sincerely, Donald Trump.” The reason for my surprise is the last time Jair Bolsonaro ran for office in Brazil he boasted that only God could oust him, and he was promptly ousted.
Bolsonaro Loses His Election
I commented on Bolsonaro’s brazenness at the time. He seemed to have no fear about what God might actually think about a politician claiming His support. It seemed reasonable to assume that when someone makes such a declaration in public and for their own advantage, they present an opportunity for God to agree or disagree. We can’t say for sure if God had anything to do with what happened, but the election didn’t go well for Bolsonaro.
I Am, He Whispers
It could be argued that Donald Trump learned from what happened to Bolsonaro, even if he didn’t quite believe it had anything to do with God. He’s been signing his tariff documents “I am”, but in an unobtrusive way, as though it’s part of his signature. Perhaps he’s doing it that way because then he can deny that’s what he meant. However, it is not us he will have to convince if worse comes to worse. So what exactly does Trump mean by his use of this phrase?
What Does “I Am” Mean?
Several Old Testament texts use the phrase “I am.” In Exodus 3:14, Moses asks Yahweh (God) for His name and God responds, ‘“I AM WHO I AM.” In John 8, Jesus uses the Greek phrase ἐγώ εἰμι (egō eimi – literally: “I – I Am”) to refer to himself. This phrase occurs 21 times in that Gospel. Considering Trump has been telling the world he’s the ‘chosen one’, it’s not likely he doesn’t understand the significance of signing “I am” on his official documents. Maybe he really believes it. But then why the timidity?
Either he really believes it and is willing to take the consequences, or he knows it’s not true. But as it is, instead of openly stating egō eimi, it’s more like a whisper. Why whisper if it’s true? And if it’s not true, I think it would be a bigger offense than Bolsonaro claiming God’s support for a political office. Especially since the Trump Administration is not behaving in a Godly way and they know it. They’re acting more like the devil.
If Trump were to continue this practice now that it’s out in the open, he would be openly declaring that he is Yahweh/Jesus. I don’t think he wants to go there. This needs to stop.