The Trump phenomenon: Media’s obsession with his unpredictable statements

By N.S. Venkataraman*

Since assuming office as President of the United States for a second term, Donald Trump has become a focal point for media houses worldwide. Rarely does a day pass without him making a statement or comment on various issues—many of which surprise not only Americans but also governments and citizens across the globe.

Media outlets closely follow President Trump, as he consistently provides them with material that keeps readers and viewers engaged. His remarks are particularly captivating not just because they are unprecedented for a U.S. president, but also because he often seems to speak before fully considering his words.

Among his many entertaining statements is: “I will work with you both to see if, after a thousand years, a solution can be arrived at concerning Kashmir.” However, the Kashmir dispute between India and Pakistan only emerged after the 1947 partition. Another curious remark was his defense of accepting a $400 million luxury Qatari jet, saying, “Only a stupid will reject a gift.”

Trump’s statements sometimes seem beyond belief. For instance, he declared Canada the “51st state of the U.S.,” leaving many wondering whether he was joking from the White House. He also claimed he could not rule out a U.S. annexation of Greenland, announced plans to “take back” the Panama Canal, and made statements that hinted at territorial expansionist ambitions.

His approach to international conflicts has been equally controversial. He suggested that more than a million Palestinians should leave Gaza and that the U.S. could "take over the Gaza Strip" as a resolution to the ongoing crisis—an idea universally recognized as implausible.

In diplomatic interactions, Trump has broken norms, such as when he invited the Ukrainian president to the White House only to criticize him publicly on camera—an act seemingly without precedent in U.S. history. He also praised Russia while blaming Ukraine for the war, then signed a mining agreement with Ukraine’s government. At different times, he has supported Russia in the war while later proposing tariffs on Russia if it did not cooperate in ending the conflict.

Trump’s obsession with tariffs has become a major spectacle for media outlets, fueling debates and discussions. Initially, he announced a 245% tariff on Chinese products, later reducing it to 80%—raising questions about the rationale behind these abrupt shifts.

Most recently, Trump claimed to have mediated and ended the war between India and Pakistan. While leaders from several nations—including China and the U.S.—have urged both countries to pursue peace, Trump alone asserts that he successfully mediated. India appears unconvinced, yet Trump remains steadfast in his interpretation of events, regardless of opposing viewpoints.

Ultimately, the media thrives on Trump’s statements, which increasingly seem designed for entertainment, ensuring that audiences remain engaged and anticipating his next headline-worthy remark.

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*Trustee, Nandini Voice For The Deprived, Chennai

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