TRUMP & FAKE NEWS: AMERICA’S THREAT FROM WITHIN

A STRATEGY FROM THE START

On February 17, 2017, President Trump tweeted “the media is the enemy of the American people,” mere weeks into his tenure as the leader of the free world. Let’s not kid ourselves, Trump knew exactly what he was doing — he and his team knew that his re-election has always depended on discrediting legitimate voices and having the most voters believe his (fake) version of reality. So, every day, slowly, methodically, and with devastating consequences, the decaying of the American psyche and its democratic pillars have been unravelling before our eyes.

History shows us that every President either governs with an eye on leaving a lasting legacy on the country, or has a moment or a decision, unwittingly defines them. For President Trump it can be argued that no specific moment will come to define his time in office, but perhaps a collection of decisions. As the 2020 election nears and days away from voters having a say on whether Trump will become a one-term President, his legacy is starting to be contemplated. Just this week, a New York Times article accurately offers a suggestion: “dishonesty has defined the Trump presidency, and the consequences could be lasting. At the core of the article’s thesis is the President’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic.