Trump’s Hyperbolic Rhetoric Shapes Political Landscape

President Donald Trump has increasingly adopted a distinctive rhetorical style characterized by hyperbolic statements asserting that unprecedented events are occurring with remarkable frequency. From declaring intentions to build a missile defense system “the likes of which nobody’s ever seen before” to boasting about crime reduction levels that “we haven’t seen here ever,” Trump’s language reflects his perception of the world as starkly divided between his successes and the failings of his political adversaries.

This trend is not merely a stylistic choice; it provides insight into how Trump perceives his role as President. His communication often portrays himself as the hero confronting villains, with achievements presented as legendary and challenges framed as crises necessitating decisive action.

Hyperbole as a Communication Strategy

Brian Ott, a communication professor at Missouri State University, notes that Trump’s way of speaking directly influences his governance style. “For extreme responses, everything demands an extreme context,” he explained, indicating that Trump’s rhetoric sets the stage for the policies and actions he advocates.

White House spokesperson Liz Huston emphasized the importance of repetition in effective messaging, stating, “President Trump is the greatest communicator in the history of American politics.” This assertion is supported by data from Roll Call Factba.se, which tracked the use of phrases like “never seen before.” In 2023, Trump employed some variation of this phrase a remarkable 194 times, surpassing his previous records.

While the frequency of these statements has increased, they still fall short of the grandiosity seen during his past presidential campaigns. For instance, he used the phrase 90 times in 2019 and 48 times in 2017, yet his current rhetoric far outstrips those figures.

The Impact of Rhetoric on Policy

Trump’s hyperbolic claims often lack substantial evidence. His approach has been consistent since the publication of his book “The Art of the Deal” in 1987, where he referred to his style as “truthful hyperbole.” Tony Schwartz, Trump’s ghostwriter, coined this term, which the former president embraced as a marketing tactic.

At events such as the Republican National Convention, Trump promises to elevate America to heights “like the world has never seen before.” His statements often ignore historical context; for example, he claimed that rising inflation was unprecedented, despite evidence of higher inflation rates during past decades.

In discussions regarding international affairs, Trump’s rhetoric extends to claims about the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He asserted that Russia is experiencing soldier casualties “at levels that nobody has seen since the Second World War,” a statement reflecting both exaggeration and a misunderstanding of historical data.

Trump’s language has begun to influence those within his administration, as advisors echo his phrases during official meetings. For instance, during a recent cabinet meeting, Steve Witkoff, a diplomatic envoy, remarked that people around the globe “have never really seen the world change in this way” due to Trump’s peace negotiations.

His rhetoric also extends to foreign leaders, as seen in an interview where Trump claimed that Vladimir Putin expressed admiration for his leadership, stating, “I’ve never seen anybody do so much so fast.”

In summary, Trump’s use of hyperbolic language serves as both a defining characteristic of his presidency and a reflection of his worldview. As he continues to employ extreme rhetoric, it shapes not only public perception but also the political discourse in the United States.