In this episode of The PR Breakdown, diving into Donald Trump’s second inaugural address and breaking down the PR strategies, rhetorical moves, and media messages woven throughout. From the decision to move the ceremony indoors to Trump’s subdued, teleprompter-driven delivery, the address was a masterclass in image-conscious storytelling. He leaned heavily into his narrative as the avenging hero, divinely chosen to save America—rhetoric that fires up his base but leaves communicators with plenty to dissect when it comes to the risks of divisive messaging.
Let's also get into the visuals—like Melania’s now-iconic hat and the up-close, tightly framed setting that gave the event a different vibe. Add in some eyebrow-raising claims (hello, "Manifest Destiny" and renaming the Gulf of Mexico), and we’ve got a lot to unpack about how these choices shape public perception. Love him or hate him, this address is full of lessons for anyone working to craft messages that stick. Let’s get into it!
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