Trump’s Programming Mindset and Recent Controversies
Donald Trump, interestingly, seems to think like a programmer. Maybe it’s because of his experience on The Apprentice. Yet, this approach sometimes backfires, overshadowing his own narratives.
I can imagine, on a slow news day, he’d definitely give the press something to chew on. He has a knack for filling that gap, particularly in a Democratic Party that feels a bit lost.
Recently, while he was receiving international acclaim for negotiating a challenging ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, he also made an unexpected post on Truth Social that shifted the news cycle again.
It’s clear he knows how to handle media. He’s been interviewed countless times, understands lighting and angles, and has preferences—like opting for an overhead mic rather than a lapel one. I recall he once mentioned to the crew that he thought he looked “too orange.”
Despite that, he continues to spread unfounded claims regarding the 2020 election, which even his own Justice Department dismissed. He won the 2024 election but has faced backlash from supporters, who are pursuing criminal allegations against figures like James Comey and Letitia James. He doesn’t shy away from criticizing Joe Biden, who’s currently dealing with cancer, in almost every public address.
Here’s a typical example of his posts:
“Documents show that Christopher Wray, deranged Jack Smith, Merrick Garland… and others signed off on Operation Arctic Frost. They spied on Congress members and rigged the 2020 election. Those radical left figures should face serious legal consequences.”
On another note, Trump’s plans for the 2028 election are raising eyebrows, particularly since he’ll be 86 by the end of his next term—a feat prohibited by the Constitution. By not confirming his intentions, he might be teasing his audience, reminiscent of tactics used by Steve Bannon. No sitting president wants to come off as a lame duck prematurely.
He’s been quite straightforward in his intentions. Recently, he indicated he would cut programs favored by Democrats during a potential government shutdown, and he’s following through with that. Depending on your view, this could come off as either transparency for followers or authoritarianism for critics.
The decision to cut funding for the SNAP program—essentially food stamps—affecting 42 million Americans, is also no coincidence; it coincides with political maneuvering.
Trump’s unpredictability was again on display when he cut off trade discussions with Canada over an Ontario advertisement deemed misleading. This seems odd for someone known for his combative rhetoric, especially since the ad correctly referenced Ronald Reagan’s tariff remarks, albeit out of context.
Once the dust settles, I wouldn’t be surprised if he revisits aspirations to make Puerto Rico the 51st state.
Recently, Trump has faced backlash for two controversial actions. First, he requested $630 million from the Justice Department for ongoing investigations that led to four indictments. Conservative voices, like podcaster Ben Shapiro, have condemned this as a conflict of interest, suggesting that Trump should reconsider the demand.
Secondly, there’s the demolition of a historic building, the east building, which has been heavily featured in news reports. When Trump mentioned that the $350 million ballroom project was financially infeasible, it turned out to be untrue; the building was secretly demolished instead. This contradicts his promises and is hard to ignore.
The upcoming trip to Asia, where he’ll meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, could generate more headlines—or he’ll find another diversion.
That’s the essence of Trump; he uses the White House’s megaphone to his advantage, continuously programming the narrative. The sheer volume of daily stories can overwhelm even journalists who closely follow him.
