“You know, I do the weave.” The now-famous words of President-elect Donald Trump show how presidents are often associated with their distinct addresses to the public. Roosevelt’s rallying declaration of war following the Bombing of Pearl Harbor made him a symbol of determination and resilience, while Ronald Reagan’s witty and humorous remarks throughout his presidency made him a true president of the people. But what does Trump’s trademark “weave” make him—an anti-establishment pioneer or a rambling fraud?
Trump’s speaking style, self-proclaimed as “the weave”—a speaking strategy wherein Trump begins discussing a certain topic only to go off on a tangent later reconnecting his main point—has received mixed reviews. To Trump, it’s a brilliant, seemingly melodic connection of ideas—a result of his “speaking genius.” According to Trump, his friends, alleged “English professors,” have lauded it as “the most brilliant thing they’ve ever seen.”
The simple truth, however, is that Trump’s supposedly eloquent speaking style should be addressed for what it is: “rambling,” and possibly even a “sign of cognitive decline.” Trump’s speeches are filled with fractured and unfinished sentences. He constantly fails to stay on topic, whether it be healthcare, border control, or even his plans for the presidency, frustrating many interviewers and voters alike. Despite this, he has still pushed his way back into power in a historic comeback victory, raising the question: how did he get reelected in the first place?
Key to understanding Donald Trump’s prodigal return to the White House is deciphering his appeal to ordinary Americans, especially the labels he has knighted himself with. Prior to the 2016 election, Trump drew upon his businessman persona, especially with his most memorable line “You’re fired!” from The Apprentice. With Trump’s name plastered all over New York, Florida, and even internationally, he appeals to the masses as an unconventional, anti-establishment businessman. He continually seizes opportunities to earn more profit like a typical businessman, releasing his own watch collection, NFT trading cards, and of course, his signature MAGA hat. By associating his name with iconic merchandise, Trump boosts his own celebrity image, effectively marketing his persona to the public as well. Unlike the skills of a career politician, Trump embodies the epitome of street smarts, supposedly translating his supposed business astuteness into running the White House. He promises to “run America like his business,” —a telling statement considering Trump has filed multiple bankruptcies.
In the context of the contemporary generation, Trump particularly appealed to young males this election cycle, picking up a larger population of under 30 voters than any presidential candidate since 2008. While both Harris and Trump sought the millennial vote through a variety of celebrity endorsements, podcast interviews, and social media, Trump’s strategic association with internet sensations like Joe Rogan and Jake Paul has skewed the demographic ratings in his favor, especially among young men.
Trump himself may not have a solid plan or core set of beliefs—he is reluctant to endorse the Project 2025 manifesto created by fellow far-right Republicans, and yet he hasn’t offered an original agenda of his own—but his businessman persona and strategic endorsements changed the 2024 election landscape into one similar to a high school student government election. The election became more of a popularity contest rather than a consideration of the candidates’ positions on issues. Trump’s success also derives from his use of simple language, often using terms like “jobs” in the place of “employment” and “law” instead of “legislation,” helping Trump win over common voters who find the academic jargon of other politicians confusing while finding him more relatable and down-to-earth.
Despite Trump’s unorthodox way of communicating, he has been able to not only maintain, but in fact increase his support among the American public. The image Trump presents of a successful businessman—however flawed—appeals to the average voter. That combined with the anti-Black and anti-female biases against Harris led Trump to claim a commanding victory this election. Sadly, Trump’s victory casts a spotlight on the double standard that larger society places on different people. It ultimately reveals how, in a desperate attempt to capture a fading green light, we have overlooked glaring red flags in the process. And ultimately, how in a wild bid “to make America great again,” we’ve forgotten what America actually stands for.