Unveiling Trump's Press Briefings: The Flawed Genius Behind the Words
Many have mused over the mystery of who writes Donald Trump's press briefings, and why it seems like he is reading them for the first time every time. To truly understand, one must delve into the peculiarities of his communication style and the team behind it.
A Peculiar Communication Style
Joan Vredik Broadley, a keen observer of the former President, notes a profound level of comprehension and surprise. Former members of his administration describe him as both “stunningly stupid” and “astoundingly ignorant.” This indicates that even basic instructions might be beyond his immediate grasp, forcing one to question the nature of his interactions with the world.
For instance, the simple act of pouring water from a boot would be baffling: he would need to be told this basic fact explicitly, and even then, his understanding might be at a surface level. It’s a stark reality that undermines his ability to understand complex and multifaceted directives, let alone the intricate statements made in press briefings.
The Role of Current Press Secretary Kaleigh McEnany
Enter Kaleigh McEnany, currently serving as the Fourth Press Secretary. Like her predecessors, Stephanie Grisham, Sarah Sanders, and Sean Spicer, she faces a monumental challenge in communicating with a leader who is fundamentally at odds with conventional cognitive processes. She claims that the President does not lie, emphasizing his protective stance on America’s shores during the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, the task is daunting, especially given her academic background in law from Harvard.
The job of writing for Trump involves a delicate balancing act. One must use words that he can pronounce clearly, possibly even accolading him for his ability to articulate terms like “hydroxychloroquine.” The writer must also ensure that the content is not too complex or intimidating, as Trump might react with rage and demand the speech be thrown back at them. Last but not least, the writer must be prepared for the turbulent aftermath of Trump’s spontaneous behavior, such as his suggestion that ingesting disinfectant might be an antidote to the virus.
The Cognitive Uniqueness of Writing for Trump
It is crucial to recognize that the challenge faced by the press secretaries is not merely one of translation or simplification. According to Broadley, the words presented to Trump are reduced to one-syllable phrases with other words removed, followed by a reversal of the first and fourth words. This process dramatically alters the meaning and context of any message, presenting a communication style that is fundamentally altered by his cognitive limitations.
This unique and challenging role calls for a writer who understands not just the content but also the underlying cognitive challenges that shape Trump’s way of thinking. The team of trusted advisors might be under a significant amount of stress as they struggle to craft speeches that are intelligible and aligned with his expectations. The job is as much about managing the President’s impulses as it is about creating compelling content.
Conclusion
In the end, the task of writing for Trump is far from straightforward. It requires a delicate balance of comprehension, simplification, and resilience in the face of unexpected reactions. The role involves more than just words—it involves understanding a man whose cognitive processes are uniquely altered, requiring a profound and intricate approach to communication.