Espreso. Global
OPINION

Trump's style: liar who doesn’t hide truth

9 December, 2024 Monday
14:36

This style poses a real threat to democratic values. The excessive spread of fake news and manipulations leads to societal division

client/title.list_title

Dozens of articles and even books have been written about Donald Trump's approach to truth and honesty - not by Democrats, liberals, or leftists, but by political scientists, psychologists, and even psychiatrists. As early as 2016, the FactCheck portal dubbed him the 'King of Liars,' and during his presidency, nearly 30,000 false or manipulative statements were recorded.

Political scientist Matthew McManus characterizes Trump's style as 'bullshit' - a form of lying that doesn't hide the truth or even acknowledge it. The goal is to overwhelm opponents or potential supporters with arguments that convince them.

According to McManus, this fundamentally sets Trump apart from another famous political liar, Richard Nixon, who was a classic liar - someone who knew the truth, valued it, but tried to conceal it.

Trump uses manipulations to shape narratives that benefit his personal political agenda. He does this consistently across all topics - whether it's the border with Mexico, unemployment, inflation, the Russia-Ukraine war, or anything else.

How does it work? Fantastical numbers and facts are used to spread an information virus of correctness for any position he takes. This style of lying is always aimed at sowing chaos in public discourse. When facts and reality lose their meaning, victory goes to the loudest voice. This allows him to manipulate public opinion even without any foundation.

This style poses a real threat to democratic values. Widespread dissemination of fake news and manipulation leads to societal division, devaluation of the concept of truth, and strengthens authoritarian tendencies.

And yes, we have to deal with him. And yes, his activities might not be catastrophic for Ukraine - if it's lucky. I genuinely sympathize with those who must interact with him. But that’s their job now.

Yes, no one promised Ukraine pleasant counterparts or competent allies - neither in terms of values nor principles. As long as they hate our enemies more than they’re indifferent to us, that’s enough.

Remember, we’re now justifiably rooting for a madman (the leader who overthrew Assad’s regime), who once led Al-Qaeda in Syria. Life is complicated.

But we must never forget who we’re dealing with. And Trump is no exception.

Source

About the author. Yury Bogdanov, journalist, specialist in strategic communications in the fields of business, public administration, and politics.

The editors don't always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.

Tags:
Read also:
  • News
2025, Monday
20 January
21:30
“Today is day of change”: Zelenskyy congratulates Trump on his inauguration
21:15
Ukraine receives military aid from Latvia, including drones, generators
20:59
Trump does not mention Ukraine in his inaugural address
20:38
Exclusive
Trump won’t betray Ukraine as it means his defeat – Chairman of Ukrainian American House
20:20
Exclusive
'Mixed expectations': Espreso journalist on EU reactions to Trump’s presidency
19:59
Exclusive
Military base for training Russia's new assault forces stretches from Mariupol to Berdiansk
19:38
Exclusive
Trump’s team likely to follow 'Kellogg's plan,' says political analyst
19:15
Ukraine cannot defend itself against missiles like Oreshnik. Why Patriot and even THAAD won't help?
18:51
Exclusive
Defense Express: Strikes in Kazan target key military facilities
18:30
What Trump will focus on in next 3 months – and it’s not about Ukraine
18:04
Putin says Russia open to dialogue with Trump administration
17:55
Exclusive
Lawyer clarifies mobilization rules for those over 50 in Ukraine
17:34
Locomotive supporting military logistics set on fire in St. Petersburg
17:15
OPINION
Trump tests new method of communication with Putin
16:56
Ukraine identifies Russian paratroopers behind Bucha massacre
16:35
Interview
“After constant control in captivity, all we want now is peace”: Azov soldier on returning from Russian captivity
16:15
Lyptsi: How Ukrainian forces turned Russia’s offensive into a “meat grinder”
15:56
Ukraine adapts to Russian drone upgrades with EW countermeasures
15:32
Latvia to ban Russians, Belarusians from critical infrastructure management roles
15:14
China’s crude oil imports from Russia hit record high in 2024
14:57
OPINION
Trump doesn’t ask — he demands. And not from God, but from the rest of the world
14:31
Exclusive
Trump has no plan for Ukraine war resolution, but there are outlines — Ukrainian politician
14:13
Ukraine’s strike on Kazan aircraft plant raises doubts over Russia’s production capabilities
13:52
Ukrainian Ministry of Justice restores all state registries after Russia’s cyberattack
13:31
Exclusive
Iran may backtrack on Moscow-Tehran 'strategic partnership' deal, says expert
13:15
Slovak mental health experts call for PM Fico’s resignation over recent behavior
12:57
Russian artillery shell use halved after strikes on military industry – Ukraine's top general
12:40
Zelenskyy shares footage of captured North Korean Soldier’s interrogation by SBU
12:19
Ukrainian forces regain positions in Kursk and Donetsk regions – DeepState
11:59
Russia launches disinformation campaign to influence German chancellor elections — analysts
11:45
Exclusive
Ukraine Russia war live map, January 8-15
Russian troops advance with heavy equipment: Ukraine reports escalation in Kurakhove sector
11:17
OPINION
Biden trap: cost of delayed decisions in Ukraine’s fight for survival
10:56
189 clashes at Russia-Ukraine frontline: Russian army loses 1,690 troops in one day
10:37
Moldova ready to support Transnistria financially after Russian troop withdrawal – Sandu
10:16
Russia imposes airport restrictions due to UAV threat in Tatarstan, explosions heard in Kazan
09:56
Russia repurposes submarine museum in Crimea for military use — guerrillas
09:35
Russia's army losses in Ukraine surpass 820,000 personnel
2025, Sunday
19 January
20:40
Exclusive
Russia advances in Donetsk, but not as quickly as desired – military observer
20:16
OPINION
Ukraine cannot remain a buffer gray area between democracy and dictatorship
19:47
125 clashes occur at front on Jan. 19: Ukrainian forces repel 11 attacks in Toretsk sector
More news