Reading the Direction of United States Policy through President Donald Trump's Statements
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Abstract
This study critically examines the trajectory of United States policy during the presidency of Donald J. Trump (2017–2021) by analyzing his public statements through the lens of critical discourse analysis (CDA). Unlike traditional studies that focus on institutional outputs such as legislation or executive orders, this research foregrounds presidential rhetoric as a key instrument for articulating and shaping national policy. Drawing from 50 selected speeches, interviews, and tweets, the analysis reveals consistent rhetorical patterns reflecting themes of nationalism, protectionism, securitization, and polarization. The study categorizes Trump's discourse into five policy domains: foreign policy, economic policy, immigration, national security, and crisis communication. Within each domain, the research identifies how language was strategically employed to frame threats, mobilize support, delegitimize opposition, and justify controversial policy moves. The findings underscore the centrality of language in governance, demonstrating how presidential discourse acts as both a symbolic and operational force in shaping public perception and political direction. This article contributes to interdisciplinary conversations in political communication, discourse studies, and policy analysis, while offering a model for understanding how populist rhetoric redefines leadership and democratic norms in the digital age.
Article Details
How to Cite
Siregar, I. (2024). Reading the Direction of United States Policy through President Donald Trump’s Statements. LingLit Journal Scientific Journal for Linguistics and Literature, 5(4), 173-183. https://doi.org/10.33258/linglit.v5i4.1300
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References
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Mercieca, J. R. (2020). Demagogue for president: The rhetorical genius of Donald Trump. Texas A&M University Press.
Moffitt, B. (2016). The global rise of populism: Performance, political style, and representation. Stanford University Press.
Ott, B. L. (2017). The age of Twitter: Donald J. Trump and the politics of debasement. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 34(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295036.2016.1266686
Pangaribuan, R. E., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2025). TINDAK TUTUR EKSPRESIF DALAM SERIAL FILM NANTI KITA CERITA TENTANG HARI INI PADA YOUTUBE KANAL TOYOTA INDONESIA: KAJIAN PRAGMATIK. J-Simbol: Jurnal Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 13(1, April), 208–225.
Putri, O. M., Siregar, I., & Rachmawati, K. (2024). Semantic analysis in understanding and maintaining Betawi cultural identity through the bikin rume traditional ceremonial process. Putri | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7806
Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech acts: An essay in the philosophy of language. Cambridge University Press.
Siregar, I. (2024). A Phenomenological Critique of Darwin’s Theory of Human Origins and Its Cultural Implications. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(1), 51-61.
Siregar, I. (2024). Assessing Religious Obligations: A Phenomenological Approach to Value and Legal Perspectives. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i1.1016
Siregar, I. (2024). Effectiveness of Multisensory Therapy in Treating Communication Barriers and Social Isolation in Transcortical Aphasia Sufferers. SIASAT, 9(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.166
Siregar, I. (2024). Examining the Vulnerability of the Betawi Language through a Multidisciplinary Approach. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7857
Siregar, I. (2024). New strategies in Applied Linguistic Research for health therapy. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 7–7(2), 95A-106A. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i2.7937
Siregar, I. (2024). Phenomenological Review of the Issue of Political Apathy of Indonesia’s Young Generation. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1159
Siregar, I. (2024). Research Methodology: A Comprehensif and Holistic Viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I. (2024). The Errors of the Democratic System According to Pancasila: A Critical Examination of Governance in Indonesia. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1158
Siregar, I. (2024). Research methodology: a comprehensive and holistic viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I., & Demidyuk, L. (2024). The Relations and Relevances of the Poda Na Lima Batak People’s Philosophy with Islamic Views. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 15–33. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.879
Siregar, I., & Hsu, F. (2024). The Interplay of Cultural Dynamics within the Globalization Paradigm. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.657
Siregar, I., Anjani, S. D., & Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Projection of the Vitality of the Betawi Language in the Future Time in Jakarta. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.3.4
Siregar, I., Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Effectiveness of the Language Preservation Model in the Betawi Community. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar, I., Kiesner , R., & Aesnring , B. (2024). A CULTURAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE ON PREMIUM GROG. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1199
Siregar, I., Purnama , A. R., & Xien li , X. (2024). TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DOG" IN THE WIDE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 80–87. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1200
Siregar, I., Purnama, A. R., & Gual, A. (2024). Changing conceptions of “Anjing - dogs” in contemporary social contexts. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7858
Siregar, I., Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Model and Approaches to Preserving Betawi Language as an Endangered Language. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar. I. (2024). An Exploration of Online Behavior of Asian and European Netizens: A Conceptual Phenomenological Comparative Review. SIASAT, 9(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.167
SS Wahyuni, I Siregar, K Rachmawati, NH Hamzah. (2024). Written Language Errors Of Dysgraphic Children Aged 9-12 Years In Inclusive Classrooms. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3420-3430. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4126
van Dijk, T. A. (2006). Discourse and manipulation. Discourse & Society, 17(3), 359–383. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926506060250
Wæver, O. (1995). Securitization and desecuritization. In R. D. Lipschutz (Ed.), On security (pp. 46–86). Columbia University Press.
Wahyuni, S. S., Siregar, I., Rachmawati, K., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahaya, S. R. (2025). Kesalahan Bahasa Tulis Anak Disgrafia Umur 9 – 12 Tahun Siswa di Kelas Inklusi SDN Parakan 01. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 191–202. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23343
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., & Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Strategies and Role of Parents on Language Acquisition of Children with Special Needs. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3431-3440. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4130
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahya, S. R. (2025). Strategi dan Peranan Orang Tua terhadap Pemerolehan Bahasa ABK dalam Komunitas Masyarakat Betawi. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23371
Zarefsky, D. (2004). Presidential rhetoric and the power of definition. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 34(3), 607–619. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-5705.2004.00217.x
Benoit, W. L. (1995). Accounts, excuses, and apologies: A theory of image restoration strategies. State University of New York Press.
Dueck, C. (2019). Age of Iron: On conservative nationalism. Oxford University Press.
Fairclough, N. (1995). Critical discourse analysis: The critical study of language. Longman.
Ghaisani, A., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2024). The existence and Meaning of Betawi dance in Setu Babakan: a Social Semiotic study. Ghaisani | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7805
Korompot, C., Siregar, I., Khursanov, N., Abdullaev, D., & Mohamed, K. (2024). Investigating Gender DIF in the Reading Comprehension Section of the B2 First Exam. International Journal of Language Testing, (), 57-66. doi: 10.22034/ijlt.2023.421011.1301
Lakoff, G. (2017). The all new don't think of an elephant!: Know your values and frame the debate. Chelsea Green Publishing.
Mercieca, J. R. (2020). Demagogue for president: The rhetorical genius of Donald Trump. Texas A&M University Press.
Moffitt, B. (2016). The global rise of populism: Performance, political style, and representation. Stanford University Press.
Ott, B. L. (2017). The age of Twitter: Donald J. Trump and the politics of debasement. Critical Studies in Media Communication, 34(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/15295036.2016.1266686
Pangaribuan, R. E., Siregar, I., & Susanto, A. (2025). TINDAK TUTUR EKSPRESIF DALAM SERIAL FILM NANTI KITA CERITA TENTANG HARI INI PADA YOUTUBE KANAL TOYOTA INDONESIA: KAJIAN PRAGMATIK. J-Simbol: Jurnal Magister Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra Indonesia, 13(1, April), 208–225.
Putri, O. M., Siregar, I., & Rachmawati, K. (2024). Semantic analysis in understanding and maintaining Betawi cultural identity through the bikin rume traditional ceremonial process. Putri | Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i1.7806
Searle, J. R. (1969). Speech acts: An essay in the philosophy of language. Cambridge University Press.
Siregar, I. (2024). A Phenomenological Critique of Darwin’s Theory of Human Origins and Its Cultural Implications. Lakhomi Journal Scientific Journal of Culture, 5(1), 51-61.
Siregar, I. (2024). Assessing Religious Obligations: A Phenomenological Approach to Value and Legal Perspectives. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i1.1016
Siregar, I. (2024). Effectiveness of Multisensory Therapy in Treating Communication Barriers and Social Isolation in Transcortical Aphasia Sufferers. SIASAT, 9(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.166
Siregar, I. (2024). Examining the Vulnerability of the Betawi Language through a Multidisciplinary Approach. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7857
Siregar, I. (2024). New strategies in Applied Linguistic Research for health therapy. Budapest International Research and Critics in Linguistics and Education (BirLE) Journal, 7–7(2), 95A-106A. https://doi.org/10.33258/birle.v7i2.7937
Siregar, I. (2024). Phenomenological Review of the Issue of Political Apathy of Indonesia’s Young Generation. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 135-147. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1159
Siregar, I. (2024). Research Methodology: A Comprehensif and Holistic Viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I. (2024). The Errors of the Democratic System According to Pancasila: A Critical Examination of Governance in Indonesia. Polit Journal Scientific Journal of Politics, 4(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.33258/polit.v4i2.1158
Siregar, I. (2024). Research methodology: a comprehensive and holistic viewpoint. Jakarta: LPU-Unas
Siregar, I., & Demidyuk, L. (2024). The Relations and Relevances of the Poda Na Lima Batak People’s Philosophy with Islamic Views. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 15–33. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.879
Siregar, I., & Hsu, F. (2024). The Interplay of Cultural Dynamics within the Globalization Paradigm. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.657
Siregar, I., Anjani, S. D., & Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Projection of the Vitality of the Betawi Language in the Future Time in Jakarta. International Journal of Linguistics, Literature and Translation, 6(3), 39–46. https://doi.org/10.32996/ijllt.2023.6.3.4
Siregar, I., Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Effectiveness of the Language Preservation Model in the Betawi Community. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar, I., Kiesner , R., & Aesnring , B. (2024). A CULTURAL SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE ON PREMIUM GROG. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 69–79. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1199
Siregar, I., Purnama , A. R., & Xien li , X. (2024). TRANSFORMATION OF THE MEANING OF THE WORD "DOG" IN THE WIDE COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT. Kultura: Jurnal Ilmu Hukum, Sosial, Dan Humaniora, 2(4), 80–87. https://doi.org/10.572349/kultura.v2i4.1200
Siregar, I., Purnama, A. R., & Gual, A. (2024). Changing conceptions of “Anjing - dogs” in contemporary social contexts. Siregar | Budapest International Research and Critics Institute-Journal (BIRCI-Journal). https://doi.org/10.33258/birci.v7i1.7858
Siregar, I., Yahaya, S. R. (2023). Model and Approaches to Preserving Betawi Language as an Endangered Language. Eurasian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 9(1), 274-283. Doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.32601/ejal.901023
Siregar. I. (2024). An Exploration of Online Behavior of Asian and European Netizens: A Conceptual Phenomenological Comparative Review. SIASAT, 9(1), 15-27. https://doi.org/10.33258/siasat.v9i1.167
SS Wahyuni, I Siregar, K Rachmawati, NH Hamzah. (2024). Written Language Errors Of Dysgraphic Children Aged 9-12 Years In Inclusive Classrooms. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3420-3430. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4126
van Dijk, T. A. (2006). Discourse and manipulation. Discourse & Society, 17(3), 359–383. https://doi.org/10.1177/0957926506060250
Wæver, O. (1995). Securitization and desecuritization. In R. D. Lipschutz (Ed.), On security (pp. 46–86). Columbia University Press.
Wahyuni, S. S., Siregar, I., Rachmawati, K., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahaya, S. R. (2025). Kesalahan Bahasa Tulis Anak Disgrafia Umur 9 – 12 Tahun Siswa di Kelas Inklusi SDN Parakan 01. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 191–202. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23343
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., & Hamzah, N. H. (2024). Strategies and Role of Parents on Language Acquisition of Children with Special Needs. Jurnal Onoma: Pendidikan, Bahasa, Dan Sastra, 10(3), 3431-3440. https://doi.org/10.30605/onoma.v10i3.4130
Wardani, E. T., Siregar, I., Susanto, A., Hamzah, N. H., & Yahya, S. R. (2025). Strategi dan Peranan Orang Tua terhadap Pemerolehan Bahasa ABK dalam Komunitas Masyarakat Betawi. Stilistika: Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(1), 131–146. https://doi.org/10.30651/st.v18i1.23371
Zarefsky, D. (2004). Presidential rhetoric and the power of definition. Presidential Studies Quarterly, 34(3), 607–619. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-5705.2004.00217.x