Front Row at the Trump Show

1. Trump's rise was fueled by media attention, defying political norms.

Trump “drew a bigger audience than have any of the Republican candidates.”

Unconventional candidate. Donald Trump's ascent in the 2016 election defied traditional political strategies. He capitalized on his celebrity status and ability to command media attention, drawing larger crowds than seasoned politicians. This was evident early on, such as in his 1987 New Hampshire speech, and continued throughout his campaign.

Media as a platform. Trump understood how to leverage the media landscape, turning news coverage into a form of reality TV. He mastered the art of generating headlines, often through provocative statements and personal attacks, ensuring he remained at the forefront of the public's attention. This strategy proved effective in bypassing traditional campaign tactics and connecting directly with voters.

Challenging the establishment. Trump's success lay in his ability to tap into a sense of disillusionment with the political establishment. By positioning himself as an outsider and railing against the status quo, he resonated with voters who felt ignored by traditional politicians. This anti-establishment sentiment, combined with his media savvy, propelled him to the Republican nomination and ultimately the presidency.

2. Trump's relationship with truth is fluid, serving his immediate needs.

Trump has no problem lying if the lie sounds better.

Comic effect. Trump's relationship with the truth was often characterized by a willingness to bend or disregard facts to suit his immediate needs. This was evident in his exaggerations, misrepresentations, and outright falsehoods, which were often used for comic effect, to boost his ego, or to manipulate public perception.

Strategic untruths. Trump's untruths were not always random or unintentional. They were often deployed strategically to advance his agenda, deflect criticism, or create a desired narrative. For example, he repeatedly exaggerated the size of his inauguration crowd, even when presented with evidence to the contrary.

Erosion of trust. Trump's disregard for the truth had a corrosive effect on public trust in institutions and the media. By constantly attacking "fake news" and promoting alternative facts, he contributed to a climate of skepticism and division, making it more difficult for citizens to discern fact from fiction.

3. The Trump White House was marked by internal chaos and external attacks.

The first weeks of the Trump White House were so filled with drama and chaos that I found myself coming to work every day wondering which of the senior administration officials I was talking to would either be fired, resign, or have a nervous breakdown by the end the day.

High turnover. The Trump White House was characterized by a high rate of staff turnover, with key officials frequently departing or being dismissed. This instability created a sense of uncertainty and dysfunction, making it difficult to implement policies and maintain a consistent message.

Internal rivalries. The White House was plagued by internal rivalries and power struggles, with different factions vying for influence and access to the president. These conflicts often spilled into the public sphere through leaks and anonymous sources, further fueling the perception of chaos.

External battles. The Trump administration was also engaged in constant battles with external forces, including the media, the Democratic Party, and even members of its own party. These conflicts often overshadowed policy debates and contributed to a climate of political polarization.

4. Trump weaponized the term "fake news" to discredit critical reporting.

In fact, there’s nothing more fake in the Trump era than Donald Trump’s attack on “fake news.”

Undermining credibility. Trump weaponized the term "fake news" to discredit any reporting that he perceived as critical or unfavorable. This tactic was used to undermine the credibility of established news organizations and to create a sense of distrust among his supporters.

Creating an echo chamber. By labeling critical reporting as "fake news," Trump encouraged his supporters to dismiss any information that challenged his narrative. This created an echo chamber where his followers were only exposed to information that reinforced their existing beliefs.

Inciting hostility. Trump's attacks on the media often incited hostility and even violence against journalists. He frequently used rallies to taunt and jeer at reporters, creating a hostile environment that made it difficult for them to do their jobs.

5. The Trump presidency tested the boundaries of press access and accountability.

But a reporter in the Trump era faces a president who seems to have no appreciation for or understanding of the First Amendment and the role of a free press in American democracy.

Restricted access. The Trump administration often restricted access to information and limited opportunities for reporters to ask questions. This made it more difficult for the press to hold the president and his administration accountable.

Personal attacks. Trump frequently engaged in personal attacks against reporters, calling them "disgusting," "dishonest," and "enemies of the people." These attacks were intended to intimidate journalists and discourage them from asking tough questions.

Erosion of norms. The Trump presidency eroded many of the norms and traditions that had governed the relationship between the White House and the press for decades. This created a more adversarial and confrontational environment, making it more difficult for reporters to do their jobs.

6. Personal loyalty to Trump often trumped (pun intended) policy expertise.

He was fun to be around. There was a sinister side to Trump, but at the time, I did not see it.

Unconventional advisors. Trump often surrounded himself with advisors who were fiercely loyal to him, even if they lacked the experience or expertise necessary to effectively carry out their duties. This emphasis on loyalty over competence often led to poor decision-making and policy failures.

Dismissal of expertise. Trump frequently dismissed the advice of experts and relied on his own instincts and gut feelings. This disregard for expertise often led to impulsive decisions and unintended consequences.

Erosion of institutional knowledge. The high turnover rate in the Trump White House meant that there was a constant loss of institutional knowledge and experience. This made it more difficult for the administration to develop and implement effective policies.

7. Trump's rhetoric had real-world consequences, inciting division and violence.

A president’s rhetoric, especially rhetoric that incites hatred or willfully distorts the truth, has consequences.

Incendiary language. Trump's rhetoric was often inflammatory and divisive, inciting hatred and violence against minority groups, immigrants, and political opponents. This language had a tangible impact on the real world, contributing to a climate of fear and intolerance.

Escalation of hate crimes. The Southern Poverty Law Center and other organizations have documented a rise in hate crimes and hate speech since Trump's election. This increase has been attributed, in part, to the president's rhetoric, which has been seen as legitimizing prejudice and discrimination.

Normalization of extremism. Trump's embrace of conspiracy theories and his willingness to associate with extremist groups has normalized these views in the mainstream. This has made it more difficult to combat hate and extremism.

8. The Mueller investigation loomed large, shaping Trump's actions and rhetoric.

The 2016 campaign had been an adventure that turned upside down just about everything I thought I knew about politics.

Constant scrutiny. The Mueller investigation cast a long shadow over the Trump presidency, shaping his actions and rhetoric on a wide range of issues. The investigation consumed the attention of the White House and dominated news coverage for nearly two years.

Defensive posture. Trump adopted a defensive posture in response to the Mueller investigation, repeatedly denouncing it as a "witch hunt" and attacking the credibility of the special counsel and his team. This defensive posture often led to impulsive decisions and self-inflicted wounds.

Obstruction of justice. The Mueller report documented numerous instances where Trump may have obstructed justice, raising serious questions about his conduct in office. These allegations further fueled the political polarization and contributed to the impeachment inquiry.

9. Trump's foreign policy was often driven by personal whims and instincts.

In some ways, Trump the president can still be as entertaining as Trump the flamboyant developer was.

Unpredictable decisions. Trump's foreign policy decisions were often unpredictable and inconsistent, driven by his personal whims and instincts rather than careful deliberation and strategic planning. This made it difficult for allies to trust the United States and created uncertainty on the world stage.

Personal relationships. Trump placed a high value on personal relationships with foreign leaders, often prioritizing these relationships over established diplomatic protocols and alliances. This approach led to both breakthroughs and breakdowns in international relations.

Disregard for expertise. Trump frequently disregarded the advice of foreign policy experts and relied on his own judgment, even when it contradicted established wisdom. This often led to policy missteps and unintended consequences.

10. The Trump era exposed deep divisions within American society and the media.

We are not the opposition party, but that is the way some of us have acted, doing as much to undermine the credibility of the free press as the president’s taunts.

Polarization. The Trump presidency exacerbated existing divisions within American society, creating a more polarized and fragmented political landscape. This polarization made it more difficult to find common ground and address pressing national challenges.

Media fragmentation. The media landscape became increasingly fragmented during the Trump era, with different news outlets catering to different ideological audiences. This made it more difficult for Americans to agree on a common set of facts and contributed to a decline in trust in the media.

Erosion of civility. The Trump presidency was marked by a decline in civility and respect in public discourse. This made it more difficult to have productive conversations about important issues and contributed to a climate of animosity and division.

11. Trump's showmanship often overshadowed substantive policy discussions.

I call it the Trump Show because that is the way President Trump sees it.

Focus on spectacle. Trump's presidency was often characterized by a focus on spectacle and entertainment, with policy discussions taking a backseat to rallies, tweets, and media appearances. This emphasis on showmanship often distracted from the substantive issues facing the country.

Cult of personality. Trump cultivated a cult of personality around himself, demanding loyalty and praise from his supporters and advisors. This created an environment where dissent was discouraged and critical thinking was stifled.

Erosion of democratic norms. Trump's disregard for democratic norms and institutions, combined with his focus on spectacle and personal aggrandizement, raised serious concerns about the future of American democracy.

Last updated: April 12, 2025