President Donald Trump has become known for his unfiltered statements and opinions. Some have become memorable moments for supporters while others have raised concern, and after 10 years, Americans have seen, accepted and enabled his behavior. However, many note a sharp increase in his outbursts, and with each event, it becomes clearer who and what triggers him.
In 2016, Trump controversially said, “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose voters.” Trump made this statement at a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, during his 2016 presidential campaign. This comment made headlines, as it raised questions about the level of professionalism candidates should maintain.
For many Americans, this behavior has sparked concern. “He should’ve gotten way more backlash for this statement. Even though it was not one of the worst things I’ve heard him say, it is still horrible that a United States president can get away with such unprofessional behavior,” said sophomore Maeli Sanchez. “I truly believe that the reason he gets away with this is that people think it’s funny and don’t understand the way it’s actually harmful to others.”
Both Trump and his supporters share this lack of foresight, and it highlights one of Trump’s many issues: his lack of empathy.
Many things can help define a person who lacks empathy. Criticism is one of the easiest to catch. In 2018, reporter Abby Phillip asked a question about the Robert Mueller investigation. Trump, in response, said, “What a stupid question that is.” He then added, “But I watch you a lot, you ask a lot of stupid questions.”
In a recent interview on Air Force One, another female reporter asked about a recent MRI scan he had, and what part of the body it was assessing. Trump replied, “I have no idea. It was just an MRI. What part of the body? It wasn’t the brain because I took a cognitive test and I aced it. I got a perfect mark, which you would be incapable of doing.” Most recently, Trump told a female reporter, “quiet piggy” in response to a question about the Jeffrey Epstein files.
While many male reporters have been blindsided by his level of unprofessionalism, a disproportionate amount of these comments have been directed towards female reporters. This, in part, with the use of language like “piggy” is concerning.
Senior Malea Johnson believed these issues highlight underlying misogyny. “These comments go beyond just normal political tension, and it’s just him belittling or mocking those who challenge him. The fact that the majority of these remarks are directed at female reporters makes the behavior even more troubling.”
Johnson feels that if this behavior from our president is continually justified, then unprofessional and potentially sexist behaviors will continue to seep into American politics and society. “The position of presidency requires a certain level of professionalism as they are supposed to be a role model for their party, and it is concerning as if it feels as though the republican party is following in his bad-mannered footsteps.”
President Trump’s recent behavior should be a reminder of what professionalism should mean in American politics, and that accountability is needed in cases like these to prevent the misrepresentation of the United States.
