Novels from 19th century spark wild theories about President Donald Trump, and time travel: Prophecy or coincidence?

Two obscure novels written in the late 19th century have become the center of wild conspiracy theories, with claims that they predicted Donald Trump's return to the White House and even referenced his youngest son, Barron. The novels, Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey (1888) and The Last President (1896), penned by American author Ingersoll Lockwood, were largely forgotten until recent years when their uncanny details began circulating on social media, particularly TikTok.

A viral TikTok video brought these books into the spotlight, drawing millions of views. The video highlighted the startling connections between the novels’ narratives and real-life events surrounding Donald Trump’s presidency. While some viewers marveled at the coincidences, others dismissed them as mere chance.

In the comments section, the debate raged on: Were these books prophetic, or was this a case of overzealous pattern-matching? Regardless, the fascination with the stories continued to grow.

The Adventures of Baron Trump

The first novel, Baron Trump’s Marvelous Underground Journey, follows the adventures of a young aristocrat named Baron Trump. Living in a castle named "Castle Trump," the character is described as intelligent, curious, and somewhat arrogant. Guided by his mentor, Don, Baron embarks on fantastical journeys, including one to discover a magical portal in Russia.

Interestingly, the character’s full name—Wilhelm Heinrich Sebastian Von Troomp—hints at German ancestry, mirroring the Trump family’s roots in Germany.

Chaos in ‘The Last President’

The second book, The Last President, describes a contentious election that leaves New York City in turmoil. Protesters, furious over the election of a populist president, storm Fifth Avenue—a detail that has drawn comparisons to Trump Tower’s location. The book paints a vivid picture of political chaos, fueling speculation about its relevance to recent events.

Social media users have theorized that Lockwood’s novels contain hidden prophecies. Some speculate that the author had access to foresight, while others go further, claiming that Trump himself is a time traveler. This latter theory ties into the late John G. Trump, Donald Trump’s uncle and a renowned scientist who once studied the papers of inventor Nikola Tesla.

While these theories remain speculative, the parallels between Lockwood’s books and Trump’s life have captured the imagination of many. Whether coincidental or not, these novels offer an intriguing blend of fiction and reality, fueling debates about time travel, prophetic knowledge, and the mysteries of history.