Donald Trump: Source and Symptom of Polarization

The presidency of Donald Trump is a watershed moment in American politics, characterized by controversy, division, and transformation. This paper explores Trump’s role as both a product and catalyst of the new right, building on the groundwork laid by the “Tea Party” movement. It investigates how Trump’s adept use of information technology and unconventional media tactics facilitated his electoral success and exacerbated polarization in the political landscape. Furthermore, it examines Trump’s embrace of anti-establishment sentiment and his mastery of communication strategies that deepened divisions within American society. Through analysis of key events such as the 2016 Republican National Convention and the 2017 Charlottesville Unite the Right Rally, Trump’s capitalization on existing polarization will become clear, showing how he actively fueled divisiveness for political gain, leaving a legacy of fractured political discourse, with long-term implications for the American political spectrum.