Story highlights Ruth Ben-Ghiat: For decades, the GOP wrapped itself in the mantle of patriotism

Democrats are experiencing a surge of patriotism, which could revive the party

Ruth Ben-Ghiat is a frequent contributor to CNN Opinion, and professor of history and Italian studies at New York University. Follow her on Twitter @ruthbenghiat. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.

(CNN) We will remember 2017 as the year patriotism started to acquire a new vitality and force among Democrats -- and the year that the GOP lost control of its narrative. We have President Donald Trump to thank for both of these things.

Over the past decade, patriotism has been out of vogue among many liberals. Rituals like saluting the flag were largely left to those serving our country at home and abroad through military or government service. Meanwhile, pledges of allegiance conjured memories of school assemblies.

Ruth Ben-Ghiat

Republicans, in contrast, wrapped themselves in the mantle of patriotism. Open love of country justified the party's claim to moral authority and united its members. Drive through America and you know when you've entered Republican strongholds by the number of flags displayed. Despite its embrace of anti-big government ideologies, the GOP managed to preserve its reputation in the eyes of its base as the party of national fidelity.

Trump stands to change all that. Our 45th President has spoken and acted in ways that for millions test the basic definition of what it means to be a patriot: someone who loves one's country and acts with its best interests in mind. Like the many authoritarian rulers he so admires, Trump seems intent on making public office serve his personal desires and goals. He has done very little to resolve the conflicts of interest with his business concerns, leaving the impression that private profit comes first and national well-being second.

It's typical of this spirit that the holiday Trump invented to "strengthen our bonds to each other and to our country" (the " National Day of Patriotic Devotion ") coincides with his own inauguration.

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