Maleksabet Ebrahimi

2 min read

American Studies (131)
Trump vs. Pezeshkian: A Tale of Contrasting Leadership

We elected Pezeshkian in the hopes that, like a skilled physician, he would surgically remove the cancerous tumours of corruption from the bloated and weary body of governance. But after a year in office, he has yet to deliver on those promises. Just yesterday, Pezeshkian, donning his medical coat, was treating patients in Tabriz—yet can he demonstrate the same resolve in tackling corruption?

Here’s where the comparison with Trump comes into play. In an unprecedented move, Trump recently fired over 100 National Security Council staffers in a single day to streamline decision-making and cut through bureaucratic red tape. While his methods may seem heavy-handed, they are still constrained by the checks and balances of American law. Even Trump cannot override the judiciary — just yesterday, a federal judge in Boston blocked his executive order against Harvard University.

This is the fundamental difference: Pezeshkian grapples with entrenched economic corruption and powerful budget-draining entities that overshadow his authority in Iran. Meanwhile, in the U.S., even an influential figure like Trump must bow to the rule of law and independent institutions.

At its core, this is about bold leadership under the rule of law. A society that prioritizes legal order, even amid bold and sometimes controversial decisions, remains resilient and adaptable. Pezeshkian could learn a lesson from Trump: if he cannot lead decisively and fearlessly, perhaps it’s time to make way for someone who can confront corruption head-on and protect the people’s interests.

Khalil Salimi

May 25, 2025

Translated from Farsi by: Maleksabet Ebrahimi