Fallacious Trump Appeal to Fame - FT#184
Nov 4, 2025
Dive into the Appeal to Fame fallacy as Trump boasts about TikTok deals and famous endorsements. Explore how celebrity culture influences political credibility, from Tony Blair's Britpop connections to Elton John's fluctuating support for Keir Starmer. Enjoy amusing examples from pop culture like BoJack Horseman and Drunk History. Test your skills in the Fake News game, where Trump quotes blur the line between fact and fiction. Plus, gather insights from recent political controversies and community highlights from the latest QED.
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Fame Isn’t Proof Of Credibility
- The appeal to fame equates notoriety with trustworthiness and expertise.
- That bias causes people to dismiss unknown voices and overvalue celebrity endorsement.
Unnamed Celebrities Used As Reassurance
- Donald Trump defended a TikTok deal by invoking unnamed "very famous people" who "love our country."
- Mark and Jim point out the claim relies on fame and patriotism, not evidence of trustworthiness.
Name-Dropping To Signal Validation
- Trump recounts a "very famous man" who asked how he copes with abuse to imply broad admiration.
- Jim and Mark note the unnamed celebrity claim lends weight without evidence and is likely fabricated or exaggerated.