'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER - Donald Trump has always been a master showman. From the glittering boardrooms of "The Apprentice" to the high-stakes drama of boxing promotions, Trump has crafted an image of himself as the ultimate dealmaker, an entertainer who thrives on spectacle. Now, as he begins his second stint as President of the United States, it’s becoming clear that this penchant for theatrics is not just a feature of his personality—it’s his governing style.
Trump’s presidency is shaping up to be less about policy and more about performance, where the lines between governance and entertainment blur. For Trump, everything is a stage, and America is his audience. To understand how this reality-show mentality defines his leadership, we need to trace the evolution of his public persona and the consistent thread of spectacle running through his career.
The Reality Show Blueprint
Long before Trump entered politics, he perfected the art of drama on television. On "The Apprentice," he played the role of a no-nonsense executive, delivering his infamous "You're fired" line with flair. The show wasn’t just about business—it was about crafting a narrative where Trump was the unquestionable hero, the man who held the keys to success. This image resonated with millions of viewers who saw him as an embodiment of the American Dream.
But the reality-show formula also relied on conflict and cliffhangers. Contestants were pitted against one another, alliances formed and crumbled, and every episode built toward a dramatic conclusion. It was a world where substance mattered less than spectacle—a lesson Trump carried into his political career.
Campaign Rhetoric: Drama Over Policy
Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign was a masterclass in reality-show tactics. From the bombastic rallies to his inflammatory tweets, Trump understood that attention was currency. He dominated the news cycle with controversial statements, from promising to build a wall on the southern border to labeling his opponents with derogatory nicknames like "Crooked Hillary" and "Low-Energy Jeb."
His rallies were theatrical productions, complete with chants of "Lock her up!" and a rotating cast of "villains," including immigrants, the media, and the so-called "deep state." Trump’s supporters weren’t just voters—they were an audience, captivated by his larger-than-life persona. The policies themselves often took a backseat to the showmanship.
A Presidency of Performances
During his first term, Trump governed like a reality-show host. Cabinet meetings became public spectacles, with members heaping praise on him like contestants trying to avoid elimination. Press conferences were combative episodes, often ending with journalists becoming his foils. International diplomacy was reduced to photo ops, from his handshakes with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un to his theatrical withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Even the serious business of impeachment became fodder for Trump's brand of performance politics. Instead of addressing the charges substantively, he turned the proceedings into a narrative of victimhood, painting himself as a martyr fighting against a corrupt system.
Theatrics in His Second Term
Now, just days into his second term, Trump is proving that his reality-show approach is here to stay. His inaugural address was less a unifying call to action and more a dramatic declaration of his "triumph" over the establishment. His executive orders, signed with grand flourishes before the cameras, are designed as much for public consumption as for policy impact.
Already, Trump has reignited his feud with the media, calling them “the enemy of the people” in his first press briefing of the term. His Cabinet appointments, filled with loyalists and controversial figures, feel more like casting decisions than thoughtful governance. And his rallies—yes, they’ve already resumed—are filled with the same fiery rhetoric and theatrics that defined his first campaign.
The Cost of Spectacle
While Trump’s reality-show style might entertain his base, it raises serious questions about the substance of his leadership. A presidency driven by spectacle risks ignoring the complexities of governance. Problems like climate change, healthcare, and economic inequality cannot be solved with slogans and photo ops—they require careful planning and collaboration.
Furthermore, Trump’s reliance on conflict to drive his narrative risks deepening divisions in an already polarized nation. Reality shows thrive on drama, but democracy thrives on dialogue. The theatrics that keep Trump’s supporters engaged may alienate those who crave stability and thoughtful leadership.
The American Audience
For Trump, everything truly is a reality show. His career, his campaigns, and now his presidency are all built on the same formula: drama, conflict, and a relentless focus on keeping the spotlight on himself. But the question remains—how long can America stay captivated by the show? And at what cost?
Trump’s presidency is a reminder that leadership is not just about performance—it’s about purpose. As he steps back into the Oval Office, the nation must decide whether it wants to be an audience to his theatrics or a participant in shaping its future. After all, even the most gripping reality show eventually comes to an end. The challenge for America is ensuring that the story doesn’t end in tragedy.
'Seun Ibukun-Oni, the editor-in-chief of Daily Courier Newspaper is based in Abuja and can be reached via email - pstseuncid@gmail.com.
