President Trump has long disregarded the professionalism once considered essential for political office.
The Trump administration frequently posts false, rude and bigoted content on social media along with the issuing of public statements.
While not the first presidential administration to be caught up in scandals, the Trump administration is creating new ones routinely.
The presence of social media has allowed modern American presidents to interact with the public in ways that fireside chats and television interviews could not.
However, Trump has not taken the time to revise his statements – and it seems ill-advised not to have PR and editorial teams review his posts.
On Feb. 5, Trump posted a generative AI video of his face on a lion, and Democratic leaders’ on other jungle animals. This post was meant to depict him as the “king of the jungle” and democrats as less competent.
This post included the portrayal of the Obama’s as apes. Outrage sparked across the internet, as many pointed out the historically racist stereotype of depicting Black Americans as apes or monkeys.
Despite his claims that he was not trying to reinforce this stereotype, Trump did so and did not consult with any reviews of his piece.
Trump has been known to make racist statements in the past, making his excuses seem less believable.
Furthermore, even without the glaringly racist imagery, Trump’s slander of the Democratic Party is one unseen before the modern age, perfectly exemplifying his unprofessionalism.
This unprofessionalism leads him to care little about a large number of the population who voted for Democrats in the 2024 election. The president has many roles, but serving as the Chief of State and a figurehead of the country’s ideals and values is one of them. Not caring for and the refusal of support to so many Americans is beyond unprofessional, and just does not fulfill the presidential duties.
The Trump administration as a whole is notorious for its unprofessional attitude, regardless of political affiliation.
Before she was fired from her role as the US attorney general, Pam Bondi had been known to make comments such as “you’re a washed-up loser lawyer,” towards her opposition when handling the Epstein case.
Making comments like this towards your opposite is immature and lacks the gracefulness once seen in the political atmosphere.
Backtracking to the social media atmosphere, both Trump and Harris went on podcasts unrelated to politics.
Trump joined the “Joe Rogan Experience” and Harris on “Call Her Daddy.”
The “Joe Rogan Experience” is hosted by comedian Joe Rogan, who promotes conspiracy theories, such as using the anti-parasitic drug ivermectin to combat COVID-19, and then retracted his statements with claims that no one should believe him, since he is just a comedian.
“If you want my advice, don’t take my advice … If you’re taking vaccine advice from me, is that really my fault,” the podcast host said.
Which may be fine for a comedian to get away with, however, for a presidential candidate using such a platform is insulting.
Harris also used the “Call Her Daddy” podcast, a relationship, sex advice and story podcast hosted by Alex Cooper.
This podcast had been ranked as the number one podcast for women the year before, so while potentially an effective campaign strategy in terms of reach, received push back since sex and politics is often viewed negatively and scandalous.
While both podcast platforms are among the top in the world and a good way to spread the word out, the settings were seen as unprofessional, resulting in criticisms towards both candidates from their opposing parties.
In the digital age when comments made by political figures or anyone, for that matter, are never truly erased, it is important for political figures to choose carefully who they associate with and their social media presence.
Emilia Jacobson is a columnist. Contact her at [email protected].
