Why Former President Donald Trump Dislikes Being Called 'Ex-president'

Former President Donald Trump has a particular problem with the term ex-president. Much of this revolves around his tendency to present himself as a victim and a symbol of ongoing victimization, a narrative that resonates with those who feel similarly disenfranchised. Trump's issue stems from a deep-seated belief in his own dignity and the notion that being referred to as 'ex-president' conveys a sense of loss and a diminished status, something he is reluctant to acknowledge.

A Victim of Circumstances

One of the key aspects that fuels Trump's frustration is his ability to feign being a victim. He portrays himself as a victim of others, a strategy that has proven effective in garnering sympathy and support among those who share a similar sense of grievance. It seems that with a well-crafted narrative of victimhood, Trump manages to lead his supporters to see him as the ultimate underdog. This strategy works to create a narrative where he is either the victim or the hero, but never the loser, a perspective that can be crucial in maintaining a vested interest in continuing the fight.

The Lack of Respect He Deserves

Trump himself believes that being referred to as 'ex-president' is a form of disrespect. In his worldview, there's a clear distinction between being a president and being an ex-president. This distinction is not merely semantic; it suggests a posture of fading relevance and authority. Consequently, Trump often espouses the belief that he should be treated with the full respect that a former president commands. However, his stance on this issue reveals a stark reality: he is more concerned with appearances and maintaining his narrative of power and influence than with any genuine respect that might have been earned by his actions in office.

A Common Custom in American Culture

In American culture, it is customary to refer to any public official by the highest position they held when speaking formally. This tradition is an integral part of how we acknowledge and respect public figures. For instance, former President Barack Obama is always referred to as President Obama, just as Donald Trump is always referred to as President Trump. When speaking informally, the official is simply referred to by their last name. For example, Obama, Bush, or Trump.

On the other hand, the term former president is used only when the context explicitly deals with something related to that status. It’s a term that signifies change and references the transition from an active role to a historical one. There is a widespread understanding that President is the appropriate and respectful title, reflecting the ongoing historical role of the individual, while ex-president is a term reserved for those who no longer hold the office.

The Language of Nostalgia and Denial

Underlying Trump's aversion to the term ex-president is a denial of reality and a reluctance to acknowledge defeat. There are several points that underscore this sentiment:

‘Ex-president’ Suggests Loss: If someone is referred to as an ex-president, it immediately suggests a loss of power and control. This is something Trump struggles to accept, as it goes against his narrative of being a victorious leader. The term ex-president can easily be interpreted as a form of humiliation, something he vehemently avoids. ‘Ex-president’ is Condescending: The term can also come across as condescending, particularly if used in a context where the former president's conduct is under scrutiny. This is a point that Trump is keen to avoid, as it casts him in a less favorable light. While the term is generally used in a neutral sense, its potential to be seen as condescending is enough to make Trump object to it. ‘Promise to Self’: During the election campaign, Trump made a promise that if he lost, he would not speak to anyone ever again. This promise reflects a level of personal and emotional investment in the outcome, making the concept of losing in a public space deeply unsettling for him. Thus, being referred to as ex-president directly challenges his narrative, forcing him to confront the loss of his presidency, something he is not willing to do.

Ultimately, the issue with the term ex-president for Donald Trump is more psychological than linguistic. It's a reminder of a loss that he is keen to avoid, and a challenge to his ongoing narrative of dominance and success. The term former President Trump might seem like a mere semantic difference, but to him, it carries profound implications that go beyond just semantics.

Conclusion

The term ex-president is often seen as a sign of diminishment and a reminder of loss. However, for Donald Trump, it represents much more than just a change in title. It is a challenge to a narrative of strength, success, and enduring influence that he is intensely protective of. The way we refer to public figures, with particular attention to those who have been president, reflects a deep cultural understanding of authority, respect, and the nature of power. For Trump, every title, every term, has a profound impact on his sense of self and his continued fight for relevance and recognition.