This article discusses an Australian politician's unique approach to political protest by changing his name by deed poll to Aussie Trump in order to highlight the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to support free trade and capitalism but then impose protectionist measures. It describes how this action generated media interest and resulted in President Trump mentioning it in a speech, which was seen as evidence that he understood the message being sent about the importance of free trade and capitalism. The article encourages readers to be skeptical of politicians' promises until they take action consistent with those promises and suggests that changing one's name can sometimes make a difference.

Blog Lessons on Politician Changes Name to 'Aussie' Trump

A unique approach to political protest was recently seen when an Australian politician changed his name by deed poll to Aussie Trump. Clive Peter Frederick Hamilton, the Member for Charlestown in NSW, made this change in a bid to get then-candidate Donald Trump's attention during the 2016 US election campaign.

Mr. Hamilton's motivation was to highlight what he saw as the hypocrisy of politicians who claim to support free trade and capitalism but then turn around and impose tariffs or other protectionist measures. He believed that Mr. Trump, as a businessman, would understand this point and be receptive to his message.

To get Mr. Trump's attention, Mr. Hamilton knew he needed to do something bold and unexpected. Changing his name was certainly that! It generated media interest both in Australia and the United States, which is exactly what Mr. Hamilton had hoped for.

But did it work? Did Mr. Trump see or respond to Mr. Hamilton's protest?

As it turned out, yes!

Mr. Trump did indeed see Mr. Hamilton's actions and even mentioned them in a speech he gave at a rally in Pennsylvania just days before the election. He joked that Aussie Trump was his biggest supporter and praised him for his commitment to free trade and capitalism.

This was exactly the response that Mr. Hamilton had hoped for! He saw it as evidence that Mr. Trump understood the message he was trying to send about the importance of free trade and capitalism. It gave Mr. Hamilton hope that, if elected, Mr. Trump would be true to his word on these issues and not just say what people wanted to hear in order to get votes.

Of course, we now know how the election turned out. And we also know that there have been ups and downs in the relationship between Australia and the United States during President Trump's term so far. But Mr. Hamilton remains proud of his unique approach to political protest and believes it sent a message worth hearing.

So what lessons can we take from this story?

First, sometimes a bold and unexpected action is needed to get someone's attention - especially when that person is running for president! Second, politicians (and candidates) often say one thing but do another. So be skeptical of their promises until they prove themselves by taking action consistent with those promises.

And thirdly? Sometimes changing your name can actually make a difference! Who knows - maybe there are other Aussies out there who will follow suit and join together to form an Aussie Trump Party? Stranger things have happened…

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.