In a striking turn of events, Donald Trump and his associates swiftly labeled protesters in Los Angeles opposing immigration enforcement raids as “insurrectionists.” Stephen Miller and JD Vance, key figures in the White House, emphasized the notion of a “violent insurrection” carried out by individuals in the streets of the city. The irony of Trump’s previous insurrection accusation on January 6, 2021, juxtaposed with his current stance, did not go unnoticed. However, Trump’s adept strategy of redirecting criticisms aimed at himself to target his adversaries takes center stage. This tactic was initially unveiled during a 2016 presidential debate when Trump countered Hillary Clinton’s accusations by saying, “No puppet, no puppet … No, you’re the puppet.” While initially dismissed as childish, this tactic has proven to be remarkably effective in reshaping public perception, akin to his rebranding of the term “fake news.”

Moreover, Trump’s manipulation of language extends to accusations of election interference and weaponization, where he flipped these allegations onto his opponents. By repetitively reinforcing false claims and utilizing rhetoric to undermine truth, Trump has successfully blurred the lines of reality. From accusing anti-racist activists of racism to denouncing Jews as antisemites, Trump’s strategy thrives on repetition and distortion. This strategic use of language to shape narratives and discredit opponents has historical parallels, as evidenced by Joseph Goebbels’ assertion in 1941 about the efficacy of sticking to significant lies. Chris Taylor, a subeditor at the Guardian US, delves into the intricacies of Trump’s rhetorical maneuvers, highlighting the enduring power of manipulation through language in shaping public opinion.