The Truth Behind Trump's Wall Announcement: A Devious Deception

The 2016 presidential campaign and the early years of Trump's presidency were riddled with dubious promises and outright deceptions. One of the most infamous cases was the claim that Mexico would pay for the wall. The article delves into the true motivations behind such statements, revealing that Trump's actions were rooted in a combination of political opportunism and sheer ignorance.

The Deceptive Campaign Strategy

Donald Trump’s campaign was marked by a series of unverified claims and promises, often made without a concrete plan. His infamous insistence that Mexico would pay for the border wall remained one of his most controversial statements. During the early days of his presidency, Trump communicated directly with Mexican officials. His intentions, it seems, were quite transparent and shallow: "If you don't agree to pay for the wall, then I'm going to look bad." This candid statement reveals a level of disingenuousness that permeated his administration.

Yet, the question of Mexico paying for the wall was never a genuine concern. The Mexican president responded with a less diplomatic answer: "Go fuck yourself." This response, rather than deterring Trump, actually reinforced his conviction that he could bully his way to achieving his goals.

Trumponomics: Playing to the Gallery

Trump operated under a set of principles that became known as "Trumponomics." These included a willingness to say whatever would garner the most support and garner the most attention. More often than not, truth or factual accuracy took a back seat to the immediate political payoff. The example of the wall payments is a prime illustration of this. Trump openly admitted that he had no plan in place, nor did he seriously feel he needed one. His primary goal was to captivate his base and garner praise, which he believed was the ultimate reward.

He rationalized his actions by stating: "He says things that he thinks gets him support. He does not really care about the underlying realities. If it turns out to actually happen, sure he will take credit for it. If it doesn't, he will figure out how to deflect blame elsewhere." This mindset reflects a deeper strategy where truth, if it ever hindered his goals, could always be jettisoned for a political advantage.

The Reality of the Wall

The reality, as it often does, proved to be quite different from the rhetoric. Trump did not actually expect Mexico to pay for the wall. He did not believe he would actually start building it. However, after winning the election, he found himself in a difficult position: he had to fulfill the campaign promise or risk losing credibility.

A combination of ignorance and deception led to the following outcome: the money for the wall was taken from a military budget, which had previously been earmarked for school construction for military personnel’s children. This decision had no impact on Trump personally, and as a result, he showed no concern over the ramifications of his decision.

A Grifter in Action

Trump's strategy was rooted in a cycle where he would make promises, gauge public reaction, and then tailor future rhetoric to maintain support. His approach to politics was:

Ignorance: He often latched onto ideas without knowing the full implications or feasibility. Manipulation: He exploited public emotions and fears to drive his agenda. Deception: He lied when he believed it would benefit him politically.

Once in office, he demonstrated a deep lack of foresight and preparation. The lack of planning after the election highlights the extent to which Trump's promises were made without a real expectation of follow-through.

Conclusion

The true story of Trump's wall announcement is one of deceptiveness and opportunism. His actions were driven by a desire for applause rather than a genuine plan. The wall eventually became a reality, funded by military dollars, showcasing the lengths to which he would go to fulfill his promises.

Ultimately, the success of his campaign and presidency relied on leading his followers with statements that played on their fears and desires, rather than facts or reality. This strategy, while politically effective, often left the American people with a country more divided and less prepared for the real challenges ahead.