I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican or a conservative, the election of Trump is a national tragedy for multiple reasons. It will go down as one of the worst tragedies in American history. But he's not a dictator. This happened because we either allowed it or voted for it.

Sam Esmail’s quote, "I don't care if you're a Democrat or a Republican or a conservative, the election of Trump is a national tragedy for multiple reasons. It will go down as one of the worst tragedies in American history. But he's not a dictator. This happened because we either allowed it or voted for it," reflects Esmail’s strong disapproval of Donald Trump’s presidency and the consequences he believes it has had on the United States. Esmail argues that regardless of political affiliation, Trump’s election represents a tragic moment in American history, citing concerns over his policies, behavior, and the division his presidency caused.

The phrase "national tragedy" underscores the gravity of Esmail’s perspective, suggesting that Trump’s rise to power marked a deterioration of American values and governance. He contends that Trump's presidency will be remembered as one of the worst tragedies because of the long-term impact on the nation’s democracy, integrity, and international reputation. Esmail’s view emphasizes that Trump’s leadership led to deep societal rifts and contentious political discourse, which he believes will have enduring repercussions.

Esmail also makes an important distinction by stating that Trump is not a dictator, but rather that his election was a consequence of democratic processes—either through allowing it to happen or voting for him. This part of the quote highlights his belief in the responsibility of the American people in the democratic system. Esmail is suggesting that the failures of the system, whether through voter apathy or political division, paved the way for Trump’s presidency, and that the consequences should not be solely blamed on the individual but also on the nation’s collective choices.

The origin of this quote stems from Esmail’s role as a writer and director, known for his work on Mr. Robot, a series that explores themes of power, corruption, and societal structures. His commentary on the 2016 U.S. presidential election and Trump’s presidency reflects his broader concerns about society and government, which are frequently explored in his work. Esmail’s critique is rooted in his view of democracy as a fragile system that requires active and responsible participation to prevent the rise of leaders who may undermine its principles.