Media, Law & Policy

Pressure on Trump to “Stay on Script” During U.N. Address

Wednesday, September 20, 2017, By Sawyer Kamman
Syracuse University Professor who teaches class on Trump Rhetoric suggests we will still hear ‘America First’ theme.
As President Trump prepares for his first address to the United Nations, a Syracuse University professor believes Trump won’t deviate from his script. Professor of Communications and Rhetorical Study Kendall Phillips also believes that, as in the past, President Trump will likely make more of a splash on social media than in front of the General Assembly.
“The President has a good and experienced national security team. I would anticipate that group putting a great deal of pressure on him to stay on script during his time at the UN,” said Phillips. “I suspect we’ll continue to hear the “America First” rhetoric articulated through calls for other nations to step up in terms of resources and regional leadership. I would also anticipate that the President may well undercut any serious tone either during a subsequent rally or on social media. So far, the President has shown a tendency of provoking some kind of outrage, especially after delivering more decorous statements.
Kendall Phillips is available for interview. Please contact Keith Kobland at kkobland@syr.edu or Ellen Mbuqe at ejmbuqe@syr.edu to arrange.