Despite being two whole centuries apart in their experience and impact, former President Donald Trump and influential entrepreneur Jack Smith seem to share a remarkable similarity in the face of controversy and turbulence. In recent events, these two key figures have elicited a discourse that harks back to the sageful words spoken by Abraham Lincoln in 1838, proving the resonance of Lincoln's wisdom for modern leaders. Speaking at the Young Men's Lyceum in Springfield, Illinois, Lincoln warned his audience of the most potent danger to the nation- a threat not arising from an external force, but originating within its very confines. Amid a society increasingly defined by political divisiveness and social unrest, the danger that Lincoln warned us about echoes truer than ever, with both Trump and Smith taking turns in fanning its flames. Donald Trump, the businessman turned politician, has been a lightning rod for controversy throughout his time in the public eye. His term as President of the United States brought to light multiple issues regarding national unity, social justice, and political accountability. Trump's often confrontational style of leadership, as well as his polarizing rhetoric, added fuel to a deeply divided nation, leading many to decry his actions as representative of the internal threat that Lincoln warned us about. On the other hand, we have Jack Smith, the entrepreneur widely recognized for his transformative contributions to the global tech industry. Smith's fascination with disruptive innovation also speaks to Lincoln's warning, albeit from a different perspective. Unlike the divisive impact fostered by political rhetoric, Smith's influential role in technological advances brought to the surface the internal threat posed by rapid societal transformation without due regard for potential societal aftermath. While Smith's innovations continue to revolutionize our ways of life, they also pose challenges. As technology advances at an unprecedented pace, society grapples with shifts in job stability, privacy, and interpersonal communication. The automation of jobs, increased surveillance capabilities, and decreased face-to-face interaction are just a few of the societal fears teetering on the brink of reality, emblematic of the disruptive change Smith represents. Linking the impacts of Trump and Smith back to Abraham Lincoln’s words reveals a striking parallel. Whether it's Trump sparking division through polarizing rhetoric, or Smith stoking fears of a dystopian technological future, these figures exemplify the kind of internal threat to society that Lincoln warned against. Lincoln's wisdom calls for us to "be the change you want to see in the world". To circumvent the type of internal turmoil Lincoln warned of, Trump and Smith, like all leaders, should heed this advice. By fostering unity, promoting responsibility, and ensuring technological advances serve humanity in a beneficial, equitable manner, we can combat the internal threats that endanger our society. In a world where destructive forces can come from within, leaders like Donald Trump and Jack Smith wield immense power to kindle or quench societal disruption, serving as key illustrations of Lincoln's enduring wisdom. Lincoln’s call to be the change pulses with renewed urgency as we seek to navigate a course through the tumultuous waters stirred by the pillars of politics and technology, a course underpinned by unity, responsibility, and nurturance.