Opinion | The State of Himself

In my past interviews with Donald Trump, I often conducted a lightning round of questions at the end, which he always enjoyed. He would eagerly share his opinions on various political and cultural topics in quick bursts.

Now, as president, Trump has transformed his entire administration into a lightning round of action. His flurry of executive orders, imposition of tariffs worldwide, collaboration with Elon Musk to dismantle the government from within, and reshaping of alliances while cozying up to Vladimir Putin have been nothing short of remarkable in their speed and intensity.

During his recent address to Congress, Trump continued the lightning round style, speaking for a record-breaking 100 minutes. He raced through promises to cut regulations, eliminate foreign aid programs, and tout economic success, despite conflicting data.

Trump’s demeanor during the address resembled that of a game show host, enthusiastically announcing rewards to his audience. His loud, confident delivery resonated with his supporters, even as some within his party expressed concerns about his tariff policies and relationship with Putin.

Democrats, on the other hand, responded by withholding applause and using visual cues to express dissent. The divide between Trump’s supporters and opponents seems to be widening.

When I interviewed Trump prior to his presidency, I questioned whether his unconventional style was compatible with the expectations of the office. It has become evident that Trump has not adjusted his behavior to fit the role of president; instead, he has reshaped the presidency to align with his personality.

Throughout his presidency, Trump has maintained a confrontational approach, often resorting to name-calling and dismissal of critics. His disregard for factual accuracy and contradictions in his statements have been a recurring theme.

Despite proclaiming support for law enforcement, Trump’s actions have sometimes contradicted his words, such as his pardoning of individuals involved in the Capitol attack. His rhetoric against unelected bureaucrats is at odds with his reliance on figures like Elon Musk.

While Trump claims to prioritize environmental protection, his policies suggest otherwise, with rollbacks of regulations and appointments of industry insiders to key positions.

Trump’s boastful claims of achievements, such as bringing back free speech and protecting the nation’s interests through tariffs, have been met with skepticism. His administration’s actions, including restricting certain terms and press access, raise concerns about freedom of expression.

The divisive nature of Trump’s presidency is evident in his continuous attacks on his predecessors and political opponents. His focus on self-aggrandizement and deflecting blame reflects a pattern seen throughout his term.

Ultimately, Trump’s presidency has been characterized by his unorthodox style and relentless pursuit of personal validation, reshaping both the presidency and the political landscape in his image.

Trump’s address to Congress showcased his imperialistic rhetoric and penchant for self-glorification. His grandiose claims of success and superiority echo his past behavior, where he consistently prioritizes his own image above all else.

The speech, like his previous rallies, served as a platform for Trump to extol his own virtues and achievements, further solidifying his narrative of being an exceptional leader.

Trump’s approach to the presidency has defied traditional norms, focusing on personal validation and confrontation rather than unity and diplomacy. His rhetoric and actions reflect a leadership style centered around self-aggrandizement and division.

As Trump continues to reshape the political landscape in his own image, the enduring legacy of his presidency remains a subject of debate and scrutiny.