@RedCedar please don't confuse 'Western thought' with 'out-and-out superstition' from past centuries - - there are enough crazies about who believe this sort of rubbish. There is also the thought: that human vanity is such that even a monk, priest from centuries past might have been tempted to make outrageous statements, assumptions, even lie to gain some notoriety, self-importance - just look at what the various social media feed on?
If there were no Donald Trump, there would be another one promising salvation 'to the masses' of America, many of whom are desperately poor, have no future etc. and are clutching at anything which promises them hope, success, recognition etc. etc. The Country of the Brave holds a vast army of down-trodden, disenfranchised people, and it is those who will vote for anyone promising them to make their dreams come true.
Go well
Taurisk
