If there’s one thing that President Trump is known for, it’s his unfiltered, unapologetic style. Unlike his predecessors, the president uses social media daily to share his thoughts. This unique transparency opens him up to both praise and derision.
On Wednesday morning, Trump, while tweeting about how he believes Roger Stone has been treated unfairly, slipped in a reference to Morning Joe co-host Joe Scarborough. In it, he called Scarborough “psycho” and questioned if there should be a case opened regarding the 2001 death of Scarborough’s former congressional intern. Mika Brzezinski, Scarborough’s wife and co-host, believing Trump should be banned, tweeted how she would reach out to Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey regarding Trump’s alleged abuse of the platform’s policies. As expected, the aftermath of the public tussle broke out along party lines.
The incident is a perfect example of the symbiotic relationship between Trump, his enemies, and his staunch allies. Brzezinski and Scarborough represent those who see him as nothing but an online bully and unhinged menace. In turn, the president views them as nothing but privileged, dishonest members of the “fake news” media.
It’s fair to say Trump’s repeated insinuations that Scarborough had something to do with his intern’s untimely death (which was determined to be natural causes) cross the line. Brzezinski expresses outrage and demands that the president be deplatformed. But in reality, both parties thrive on the other’s behavior.
A very large part of the Trump era, no matter which side you’re on, is reacting to his words and actions. What he says simultaneously stirs up his enthusiastic base and sustains his adversaries.
Trump is expected to act in extreme manners, for this is how we’ve always known him. He consistently shocks his audience and, by doing so, confirms biases on both sides. If he were forced to act in a certain way or censored, the Trump brand would almost cease to exist.
If Trump’s online behavior became much less extreme, it would require that both sides shift their thinking. Fans of the president would have to concede that he has indeed gone too far, too often. Critics would have to accept any improvement and actually praise the transformation.
Neither group is particularly interested in viewing Trump through another lens.
As the uncertainty and pressure of the election draw near, we’re likely to see an increase in Trump’s use of social media. It is his weapon. And while there is sure to be more questionable behavior from the president, no one actually wants it to end. Both Trump and the media helped to create this political ecosystem, and despite claims to the contrary, they desperately need the other in order to flourish.
Kimberly Ross (@SouthernKeeks) is a contributor to the Washington Examiner’s Beltway Confidential blog and a columnist at Arc Digital.
