Remembering Donald Trump: Repetitive Rhetoric

President Trump, at a Thursday news conference, repeatedly declared he inherited a “mess” when becoming president.

“To be honest, I inherited a mess,” he said. “It’s a mess. At home and abroad, a mess.” He then explained how jobs and companies are leaving the U.S. and the instability of foreign countries before adding, again, for emphasis, “I inherited a mess.”

The president’s rhythm of speaking, in which he echoes the same phrases and descriptors, has been on display since he entered the presidential race. The examples have penetrated the zeitgeist. Bad deals are “terrible,” the media is “dishonest,” and the system is “broken.”

The style of repetition isn’t lost on linguists, who say his speech is similar to what advertisers use to get people to buy products. And it’s working, thanks to the makeup of our brain.