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Madonna Understands the Trump Rule of Power

Madonna and Trump share one rule of power: your era is harder to end when you refuse to participate in your own succession.

Madonna showcased her longevity and unique understanding of power during the MTV Video Music Awards, performing alongside younger artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. The 68-year-old Queen of Pop wore signature corset and thigh-high boots, exuding the same sex, spectacle, and provocation that defined her career. During a VMA speech, Madonna recounted a memorable incident from 1984, when she accidentally exposed her derriere during the Like a Virgin performance, and embraced the situation rather than succumbing to the pressures of an aging pop star.

Reflecting on her career, Madonna challenged the notion that she should step aside for younger artists, instead asserting her desire to remain the current Queen of Pop, perpetually youthful. The comparison between Madonna and President Donald Trump reveals a shared appreciation for the theatrical aspect of power, as both refused to conform to the traditional expectations placed on them.

Trump's decision to defy the narrative of his political moment passing led to his return to the White House as the 47th president, while Madonna's refusal to be relegated to the past demonstrates that one can maintain relevance and power well beyond the conventional timeline. As acclaimed artists and political figures alike, Madonna and Trump have demonstrated that resisting the inevitable march of time and defying societal expectations can yield significant rewards – a powerful reminder that one's legacy is not solely determined by one's age.

Written by urgent.news from Newsweek's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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