Why Does Donald Trump Lie About Obama’s Wall and What It Reveals About His Psychology

Why Does Donald Trump Lie About Obama’s Wall and What It Reveals About His Psychology

The claim that Barack Obama's compound wall in Washington is 10 feet high is a prominent misconception perpetuated by former U.S. President Donald Trump and some of his followers. In reality, the wall is 8 feet tall, not the exaggerated 10 feet that Trump has repeatedly claimed.

Addressing the Myths vs. Facts

Let's dispel the myth with factual evidence. Various photographs and official records clearly show that the wall surrounding Obama's residence is 8 feet tall. You can easily verify this by doing a quick online search or visiting the relevant websites. The discrepancy in the reported height does not make Trump's claim a lie; rather, it showcases the deliberate and calculated nature of the deception.

Trump's Tactics and Believers’ Psychology

Trump has a clear strategy behind spreading such misinformation. It serves multiple purposes:

To shift the conversation away from more critical issues, such as his legal troubles or policy failures. To create divisions among groups and incite further debate, which is one of his preferred means of gaining attention and support. To exploit the gullibility of his base who are often vulnerable to such misleading narratives.

Trump's use of misinformation is not a new tactic. He has long been reliant on his base's readiness to accept his claims without critical scrutiny. This is evident in his history of making baseless assertions and relying on the echo chamber of Fox News to propagate his narratives.

Psychological Insights

From a psychological perspective, Trump's behavior demonstrates a pattern of discrediting reality to serve his political ends. He often believes that his supporters are willing to accept any false information he presents, and this belief feeds into his strategies.

Behavior Analysis

Trudeau's response to the situation highlights the futility of engaging in such disputes. His advice, "Good luck Mac," suggests that Trump's followers are integral to his success, regardless of the accuracy of his statements.

Legitimizing Alternative Truths

Additionally, Trump's habit of lying, including the wall claim, is part of his larger strategy of promoting alternative truths. When he regurgitates facts, he does so without verifying their accuracy, often attributing them to sources like his administration or Fox News. This perpetuates a culture where truth, as traditionally understood, is less important than his narrative.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's repeated claims about Obama’s wall are not just about spreading misinformation; they are a reveal of his psychological manipulation of his base and the larger public. By keeping the attention focused on fabricated details, he can avoid addressing critical issues and maintain a narrative that resonates with his supporters.

Understanding the motivations behind these lies and the psychology of those who accept them is crucial to grasping the broader implications of propaganda in modern politics.

Keywords: Donald Trump, Obama’s Wall, Alternative Truth