Most people, when growing up, are taught the difference between right and wrong. Their morality is further shaped by their environment and experiences. The distinction between right and wrong shapes our principles, beliefs, and values. Most people ultimately share the same goal of being a good person. This can look different to every individual; however, the idea of kindness, helping others, and empathy are core traits that distinguish the overall idea of being a moral and living a fulfilling life.
In 2016, when Trump first ran for president, he had a distinct reputation and name for himself. Previously, he was known for his largely successful real estate business in New York City, notably the Trump Towers. Additionally, he gained attention on The Apprentice, where his famous line “You're Fired!” gave him an intense, authoritarian businessman persona. Very early into his first presidential campaign, Trump never ceased to shy away from controversy, telling it “as it is”. In 2016, Trump gained a reputation for his opinionated comments, calling Mexican immigrants rapists, proposing a Muslim Banned of immigrants following a terrorism attack, and accusations of sexism.
Trump has always had a strong character and was highly criticized for his offhand comments. He demonstrated this through in-person interviews and campaigns, along with his aggressive Tweets.
Trump's unfiltered presence on social media sets him apart from past presidents. This platform gives his comments an unmoderated environment to release his live thoughts. He was able to connect with his audience through his offhand comments, giving his Make America Great Again (MAGA) followers a feeling of trust and friendship. However, these comments were often perceived as incredibly inappropriate, even getting him permanently suspended from the social media platform X, due to his violent comments following the January 6th Capitol riot. These comments are criticized for teetering on the edge of immorality. Trump never shies away from the all-caps button, derogatory language, slurs, or direct attacks towards anybody who upset him.
However, the question remains. Is Trump a moral person?. Policies aside, Trump has built an empire for himself, gaining millions of supporters and running for the highest office in the nation three times, and winning twice. He connected with his audience not only through his MAGA campaign but on a personal level, building a deep, loyal following. Yet, his lying tendencies, sexist, racist, and narcissistic comments raise concerns about his true character.
A Washington Post study conducted at the beginning of 2021 found that, based on recordings and evidence from 2017-2021, Trump made a total of 30,573 false or misleading claims. These claims averaged about 21 per day. Trump's shocking number of lies demonstrates a clear pattern distinct from a pathological liar.
His lack of honesty and empathy towards others has resulted in many fearing his decisions and policies. How can we trust a leader to run our country, promising equality, freedom, and justice to all, if the president demonstrates time and time again a lack of being a good person?
