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First Post
a day ago
- Politics
- First Post
'Trump is running America like a reality show'
From firing people to promoting jeans, calling for peace deals or the renaming of a sports team, President Donald Trump keeps a lot on his proverbial to do list. Much of it is unrelated to running the country. Read here read more Advertisement From sacking officials to plugging jeans commercials, from negotiating peace deals to weighing in on sports team names, Donald Trump's presidency has unfolded more like a tightly choreographed TV season than a traditional White House term. In his second term, he former New York businessman and reality TV star has brought a highly personal hands-on approach to the presidency, relying heavily on instinct to guide both minor and major decisions. He has carried over the producer's mindset that once shaped 'The Apprentice' but this time, the stage is the United States government. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump's governing style blends hands-on micromanagement in matters he personally cares about with instinct-driven decisions that often bypass conventional political processes. Whether it's firing the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief over disputed data, pushing Intel's CEO to resign over alleged China ties, or nudging the Washington Commanders to revert to the 'Redskins' name, the president is as involved in cultural skirmishes as in high-stakes diplomacy. Political observers say Trump's governing style blurs the line between politics and entertainment. 'Trump is running America like a reality show,' said [expert name/affiliation], noting how his decision-making, public appearances, and even foreign policy pronouncements often echo the drama-driven beats of television production. Supporters argue this is decisive leadership; critics call it a dangerous distraction. Former Republican congressman Carlos Curbelo likens Trump to 'the CEO of the U.S.A.,' capable of swift decision-making but also straining the constitutional framework. For Trump, governing is about more than policy—it's about managing the audience's perception. His methods are unapologetically theatrical. Social media serves as both megaphone and script, allowing him to shape narratives, bully corporate leaders, and set the news agenda. Retailer American Eagle Outfitters' stock jumped after Trump publicly praised a racy jeans ad featuring Sydney Sweeney, underscoring how even trivial remarks can send ripples through markets. Ford O'Connell, a GOP strategist, calls him the 'marketer-in-chief,' noting that Trump functions as his own press secretary and chief-of-staff. That self-reliance extends to policy announcements, which are often delivered directly by the president himself—ramifications be damned. Yet the showman's instincts can undermine focus. 'One moment he's talking about Putin and tariffs, the next it's Sydney Sweeney,' says former congressman Charlie Dent, lamenting a presidency that toggles rapidly between the consequential and the trivial. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD White House spokesman Harrison Fields counters that Trump's style is 'decisive and commanding.' And in fairness, the president's knack for dominating the news cycle has often diverted attention from controversies, though it faltered in the face of the Jeffrey Epstein scandal. Kevin Madden, a Republican strategist, sees Trump's White House as the work of 'an executive producer with a big-picture understanding of the audience.' That sensibility is visible not only in his political maneuvers but also in his aesthetic pursuits—gold fixtures for the Oval Office, a redesigned Rose Garden, and plans for a $200 million White House ballroom funded by private donors. For Trump, the details matter most when they reflect on him. GOP strategist Rina Shah argues that this narcissistic focus on minutiae risks sidelining broader priorities. But whether in reshaping trade policy, orchestrating peace frameworks like the recent Azerbaijan-Armenia deal, or stirring cultural debates, Trump continues to blend governance with spectacle. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In Trump's America, the presidency isn't just about running the country—it's about running the show. And the ratings, at least in terms of public attention, remain sky-high.
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC MasterChef fans say same thing as they spot 'unreal' celebrity lookalike
BBC MasterChef fans say same thing as they spot 'unreal' celebrity lookalike MasterChef returned for its 21st series this week, with a fresh group of hopefuls showcasing their culinary talents MasterChef fans said the same thing as they spotted an "unreal" celebrity lookalike. The hit BBC culinary competition returned for its 21st series this week, with a fresh group of hopefuls showcasing their culinary talents in a bid to become this year's MasterChef champion. On Thursday (August 7), six fresh faces entered the kitchen, with one particular contestant sparking a wave of viewer reaction. At the start of the episode, fans were introduced to 36-year-old landscape gardener Charlie, who opened up about his love of cooking. "[I've been] practising every night putting edible flowers all over beans on toast, jacket potato, even on the side of a sandwich… Nerves are still there a little bit, but feeling good," he said, reports the Express. MasterChef fans were left confused on Thursday (August 7) (Image: BBC) First MasterChef episodes air after Gregg Wallace and John Torode sacked READ MORE: London-based Charlie has been transforming outdoor spaces for over 17 years and dreams of showcasing his love of nature in his own kitchen garden restaurant. "I've done a lot of vegetable patches for people. People want to have sustainable gardens and grow their own food, so I always use fresh ingredients when I can," he explained. "I've got ADHD, so after a hard day's work, cooking is something that grounds me." However, BBC viewers couldn't help but notice that Charlie looked very similar to The Apprentice star Thomas Skinner, with many taking to social media to share their confusion. "That Thomas Skinner on Masterchef?" one person asked on X (formerly Twitter). MasterChef returned for its 21st series this week (Image: BBC) "Great to see Thomas Skinner back on #MasterChef again," another joked, while a third said: "Guess Thomas Skinner has a brother called Charlie." A fourth fan echoed the sentiment, saying: "Charlie, the Tom Skinner of the #MasterChef kitchen, if he doesn't bosh I'll eat my hat," with another similarly sharing: "What is Tom Skinner doing on amateur Masterchef?" Elsewhere in the episode, the chefs had an hour to cook an everyday ingredient and turn it into "something truly delicious", while keeping it as the main feature of the dish. Article continues below The bottom four then had to cook again, before two were eliminated from the competition. Sadly, Charlie was amongst the unforunate chefs, alongside Gifty. The remaining contestants then prepared two dishes for a panel of three past champions, before the judges chose Finley, Claire and Jordan to go through to the quarter final. MasterChef is available to stream on BBC iPlayer
News18
3 days ago
- Business
- News18
Less Diplomacy, More Drama: How Trump Turns Global Politics Into A Reality Show
US President Donald Trump's return to the global stage has been marked with unpredictability, misinformation, and showmanship turning serious negotiations into a political circus For a real estate baron, who rose to prominence in American pop culture through his show, The Apprentice, it is not surprising that US President Donald Trump continues to rely on dramatics even on the global stage. And his return to it has been marked with unpredictability, misinformation, and showmanship turning serious global negotiations into a political circus. Trump has often mentioned how much he loves watching television while bingeing on burgers – and it does well to describe his all-the-world's-a-stage personality. In fact, it was a joke by one of his predecessors at a glitzy event – he now pretty much hates – that may have goaded him to become a politician. In April 2011, former president Barack Obama targeted Trump's reality TV persona at the White House Correspondents' Dinner – a journalists' gathering often merging standup and politics. Here are some examples: CANADA – 51 ST STATE OF THE US Former prime minister Justin Trudeau called the tariff justification 'completely bogus" and accused him of trying to harm the Canadian economy to facilitate annexation, a claim the American had joked about and later seriously repeated in some contexts. VIETNAM TARIFF FLIP-FLOP Vietnam thought it had a tariff deal. Negotiators had worked out a preliminary agreement with the United States to substantially lower punitive tariffs, to around 11 percent but just days before Washington's July 8 deadline, Trump unilaterally raised the figure to 20 percent over a phone call with Vietnamese general secretary Tô Lâm, who had not even been part of the talks. Experts have warned that this episode damages US credibility with a former USTR official, Michael Kruse, stating: 'It introduces even greater uncertainty, even once you think you've negotiated a deal, he (Trump) can turn around and change the terms unilaterally and publicly," adding, 'and in this case it appears that he did it unilaterally and publicly without any buy-in from Vietnam." 'It just introduces even a greater element of uncertainty, that even once you think you've negotiated a deal, he can turn around and just change the terms," @wendyscutler tells @POLITICO. 'And in this case it appears that he did it unilaterally and publicly without any buy-in… — Michael Kruse (@michaelkruse) July 11, 2025 WITCH HUNT CRIES, 50% TARIFF THREAT OVER BOLSONARO TRIAL Trump has turned global trade policy into a tool for personal grudges and political drama, with the Brazil episode a prime example. He threatened a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian goods unless President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva halted the trial of far-right ally Jair Bolsonaro. The threat was not based on trade concerns, as the US actually enjoys a surplus with Brazil but purely on ideological and personal grounds. He openly called the trial a 'witch hunt" and used his social media platform to pressure Brazil's democratic institutions, saying he told Lula to 'stop this nonsense". Earlier this year, Trump threatened to slam Colombia with tariffs and eight sanctions, all because Bogotá refused to accept two US military planes carrying deported Colombian nationals. 'The US cannot treat Colombian migrants as criminals," wrote Colombian President Gustavo Petro on his X. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : donald trump view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
eNCA
5 days ago
- Politics
- eNCA
How Trump's love for TV is shaping US diplomacy
WASHINGTON - Donald Trump's sudden concern about starving Palestinians was a major shift for the US president, who had previously ignored the endless cries for help from aid groups. So what changed? In his words, it was images of emaciated children in Gaza that Trump saw on television -- his main window into the world that has long shaped his political and diplomatic decision-making. Trump made clear his affection for the small screen in late July when asked if he agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a major US ally, that there was no famine in Gaza. "Based on television, I would say not particularly, because those children look very hungry," said Trump, a former reality TV star. "That's real starvation stuff. I see it, and you can't fake that." Since then, the 79-year-old has repeated that aid must be brought to people living in the war-ravaged Palestinian territory, though he has stopped of any major diplomatic moves. "Trump has a reputation for not reading anything, including the briefing papers that his aides prepare for him, and for always believing that he knows better than his staff or anyone else does," said Dan Kennedy, a journalist professor at Northeastern University. "So it's not surprising that he would be affected by images on television, especially since he is known to spend a lot of time watching TV." - 'I watch the shows' - Trump has attended 22 intelligence briefings since taking office in January, according to an AFP tally, despite several reports having revealed that he lacks interest in written reports. However, his love for television is well-documented -- even when it comes to major decisions. In 2015, before he first entered the White House, the billionaire told a journalist asking how he educates himself on military strategy: "Well, I watch the shows." And a New York Times report recounted how Trump spent several hours a day in his first term glued to the television, mainly watching Fox News -- his favorite channel -- but also CNN, NBC and ABC news channels. His second term has been little changed, despite Trump leading an election campaign that deployed social media and podcasts. "Trump is a product of his generation," Kennedy said. "He's not sitting around looking at TikTok." - 'Great television' - The Republican, who hosted 14 seasons of "The Apprentice" television series, knows better than most how images can be weaponized for political point-scoring. He was gleeful after his shocking clash with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in February, which saw the pair rowing in front of the world's press. "This is going to be great television," Trump said. And in May he gave a similar public dressing down to South African leader Cyril Ramaphosa when he sat in the Oval Office for what turned into a diplomatic ambush. Trump hijacked the meeting by playing a video montage -- one littered with inaccuracies -- that purported to prove claims of a "genocide" against white farmers in South Africa. aue/bjt/sla By Aurélia End
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
UK's ex-Ambassador trashes Donald Trump in public roasting after being forced to quit
Lord Kim Darroch was forced to quit during Trump's first term after he described his administration as "inept" - and if anything he's more scathing in his latest assessment The UK's former ambassador to the US has trashed Donald Trump in a public roasting - describing the President as acting like a "medieval King". Lord Kim Darroch accused the American leader of turning the "Oval Office into a reality TV set". The former diplomat was forced to quit his role in 2019 during Mr Trump's first term after leaked briefings showed him describing the President's government as "dysfunctional", "inept" and "divided". Speaking to broadcaster Iain Dale at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Lord Darroch defended the letter, which he said was a result of then prime minister David Cameron urging him to be honest and direct. He told the audience in Scotland's capital that his comments were borne out by Mr Trump's actions as president. The former ambassador said Mr Trump was ultimately an unpredictable leader as he cited the numerous firings of top officials by the president, the various changes to his tariff policies and the recent move to place nuclear submarines near Russia. "He's sort of like a medieval king - that sort of capricious decision-making - than he is like a modern politician where consistency is seen as important," he said. "He doesn't think that's important at all. He thinks that every day is a fresh day. You're basically battling with media. "You're battling with your opponents. If it suits you today to reverse something you did last week, just do it. "If you look at tariffs, that's a perfect example of unpredictability of capriciousness." Lord Darroch suggested that Mr Trump's style stemmed from his time on the US version of The Apprentice. " Donald Trump was made by reality TV," he said, describing him as "the American version of Alan Sugar". He added: "He learned a lot about how to present himself from reality TV. "I think he's now literally turned the Oval Office into a reality TV set." During his discussion with Mr Dale, the former diplomat praised the Prime Minister's handling of foreign policy, including his relationship with the US President. He told the broadcaster: "So far, against a lot of predictions, Keir Starmer has proved himself really quite an adept Trump whisperer. "He's done some clever things, including phoning Trump up after the assassination attempt - that was a clever thing to do, going to see him to sort of kiss the ring before the election." The peer said the Labour leader had been better on foreign policy than domestic policy, but warned the PM there were "not many votes in foreign policy". Get Donald Trump updates straight to your WhatsApp! As the world attempts to keep up with Trump's antics, the Mirror has launched its very own US Politics WhatsApp community where you'll get all the latest news from across the pond. We'll send you the latest breaking updates and exclusives all directly to your phone. Users must download or already have WhatsApp on their phones to join in. All you have to do to join is click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! We may also send you stories from other titles across the Reach group. We will also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose Exit group. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Asked about defence, Lord Darroch suggested the UK would not be able to cope with a Russian invasion, although he said the chances of that were low. "The truth is I don't think we are close," he said. "I do think it's less distant than it was five years ago. "I do think the important point really is that we are woefully underprepared." Lord Darroch has been outspoken in his criticism of Mr Trump since he was forced to quit his stateside role. Mr Trump had criticised him as as a "stupid guy" and a "pompous fool".
