Presidential words can turn the unthinkable into the thinkable − for better or for worse

For years, Donald Trump’s rhetoric has relied on insult, ridicule, threat and contempt. But the scale of violence in his words during the first week of April 2026 was new – and had a purpose.

By: Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Boise State University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: April 8, 2026

Words: 1,151

Last Updated: 3 months, 3 weeks ago

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By Stephanie A. (Sam) Martin, Boise State University

Among the most disorienting things about President Donald Trump’s public language is how easily it can feel numbing and shocking in the same moment. He says something outrageous, the country recoils, and then the recoil itself begins to feel familiar.

As a scholar who studies presidential rhetoric, I know that over time that rhythm does its own kind of damage. It teaches the public to …

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