President Donald Trump speaking at Fort Bragg on June 10.Alex Brandon/AP

Originally published in David Corn’s newsletter, Our Land, the article offers a reflection on a decade of Donald Trump’s political tactics. Ten years ago, Trump announced his presidential run, delivering a speech full of exaggerated claims about America’s decline, criticizing Mexico, and asserting that the country’s leadership was corrupt. His speech set the tone for years of spreading misinformation to serve his agenda.

Since then, Trump has frequently deployed fear-mongering to influence public perception, often portraying the U.S. as in chaos or under attack. During his campaigns, he painted a dire picture of American society, claiming it was “dying” or “becoming third-world,” and accusing opponents of plotting destruction. His 2024 bid continues this trend, featuring theories that immigrants eat cats, towns are controlled by criminals, and that political opponents are complicit in a nationwide conspiracy.

By framing crises—real or fabricated—Trump seeks to legitimize authoritarian responses, including claims of invasion and calls for military intervention. His misleading narratives often demonize communities and undermine democratic institutions, especially as he promotes false claims about protests and immigration to justify aggressive policies.

Countering such disinformation remains challenging amid a fragmented media landscape, as supporters tend to accept his falsehoods uncritically. The persistent spread of lies risks severely damaging American democracy, with Trump’s tactics aiming to concentrate power and suppress dissent through manufactured crises and deception.