Donald Trump: Elite? I’m Smarter, Richer!
on Thursday, June 21, 2018Donald Trump Money Quote saying at a campaign style rally in Minnesota Trump whined because he’s never labeled elite. Donald Trump said:
“You ever notice they always call the other side ‘the elite.’ The elite! Why are they elite? I have a much better apartment than they do. I’m smarter than they are. I’m richer than they are. I became president and they didn’t” — Donald Trump
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In this quote, Donald Trump seems to be rejecting the label of “elite” that his political opponents often use, instead applying that term to himself. Some key points in interpreting his perspective:
- He argues he cannot be elite since he possesses greater wealth, intelligence and success than those criticizing him, based on his assessment of his luxury apartment, intellect and presidency.
- However, “elite” is a complex term that can refer to various factors beyond just wealth, IQ or titles, such as social class, education and influence.
- Trump focuses on material and individual measures rather than acknowledging more institutional meanings of elite status.
- His defensive, boastful tone suggests an aim to undermine opponents by appropriating their terminology rather than engaging with their actual criticisms.
Overall, while Trump attempts to redefine “elite” in his favor, a balanced interpretation recognizes the term can have multiple valid definitions and that his perspective is only one of many possible views in the debate. Both his position and that of his critics would require consideration of nuanced issues around power and privilege.