Summary
Historian Nicole Hemmer discussed Donald Trump’s strategy of exploiting tragedies for political gain, labeling it part of a broader right-wing effort to sow division.
Hemmer noted Trump’s pattern of politicizing disasters, from Hurricane Maria to the California wildfires, to attack political opponents and promote conspiracy theories.
This tactic is linked to a media environment that thrives on outrage and a conservative ecosystem that weaponizes anger for electoral gains.
This approach degrades public life, fosters animosity, and amplifies societal despair.
If the strategy is teaching people basic media literacy and critical thinking skills then we should do it. Fund the program by taxing all the “entertainment” news companies.
If the strategy is to use power we don’t have to create new educational programs, then we’re missing a step.