Why Trump Was Obsessed with Twitter as President
When analyzing Donald Trump's immense usage of Twitter during his presidency, one must consider the irrational and oftentimes childish ways in which he engaged with the platform. Numerous factors contributed to his constant tweeting, with prominent reasons ranging from his inability to effectively articulate himself in public discourse, his desire to control the conversation, and his sheer disdain for traditional press and traditional forms of communication.
Infrequent and Inarticulate Public Speaking
Throughout his presidency, Donald Trump frequently struggled with public speaking and articulating his thoughts clearly. In numerous instances, when faced with counterarguments, he was unable to provide any coherent rebuttal, making tweeting a more suitable medium for him. His tweets often featured glamorously bold statements that were meant to grab attention, bypassing the need for coherent and educational responses that would be required in more formal communication channels.
Control Over the Conversation
One of the most striking things about Trump's use of Twitter was his ability to control the narrative and the conversation. Traditional press conferences were rarely held, and even when they were, the format was typically eliminated with Trump often failing to address even the most basic of questions. This allowed him to control what was being discussed and how it was framed, ensuring that the message he wanted to get across was the one that resonated with the public.
Lack of Intelligence and Accountability
Trump's tweets provided a platform for him to leave permanent records of his low intellect and often deceitful statements. Unlike formal speeches or press conferences, there was no accountability or immediate correction. His tweets were largely unfiltered and unrepentant, reflecting his childish and insecure nature. Statements, whether truthful or not, were practically guaranteed to be shared and amplified due to their nature on social media.
Lazy and Incompetent Leadership
Another significant factor in his excessive use of Twitter was his inability to perform his job adequately. His assistants were required to summarize complex information in easy-to-read notecards, indicating his own struggle with comprehending and working through information. His days were often characterized by other non-essential activities like golf, watching CNN (fondly referred to as "Faux News"), and attending rallies, with little time dedicated to actual governance. During his presidency, his participation in official duties was largely lackluster and passive, making Twitter an accessible outlet for him to assert himself and spread his messages.
Conclusion
The sheer volume and malicious nature of Trump's tweets during his presidency are a clear indication of his incompetence and desire to control the narrative. His tweets served as a reflection of his personality, often aggressive and lacking in substance. As he moves towards the end of his presidency and subsequent incarceration, the era of "tweeting as President" will be seen as a highly controversial and misrepresented chapter in American political history. Trump, described by his own Secretary of State as a "fucking moron," made Twitter the primary tool through which he communicated his thoughts and, more often than not, planted additional falsehoods in the public domain.