When discussing the United States and its various locations, most presidential candidates typically focus on positive aspects and general statements. However, in this election cycle, Donald J. Trump has taken a different approach.
Map of the United States displaying a quote that reads “we’re like a garbage can for the rest of the world.”
He frequently belittles American cities, particularly those with significant immigrant populations. His criticisms are often harsh and sometimes vulgar in nature.
The same map now features a quote that reads “the cities are rotting and they are indeed cesspools of blood.”
This includes progressive strongholds such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta …
A quote located on D.C. states “rat-infested, graffiti-infested shithole.” A quote located on Atlanta reads “killing field.” A quote located on Chicago reads “worse than Afghanistan.”
… as well as San Francisco and Portland.
A quote located on San Francisco reads “destroyed.” A quote located on Portland reads “a burned-down hulk of a city.”
Since announcing his candidacy, he has used negative language to describe numerous American cities. He has labeled multiple cities in California as “war zones and ganglands.”
The map highlights four cities in California that Mr. Trump has referred to as “war zones.” These cities include San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, and Los Angeles.
Northeastern, Midwestern, and Southern cities have also been the target of his insults.
The map then zooms in on the eastern part of the country, highlighting quotes for New Orleans (“war zones”); Atlanta (“killing field”); Washington, D.C. (“hellhole); New York (“filthy”); Detroit (“decimated”); Baltimore (“dangerous”); Chicago (“war zones”); and Minneapolis (“like a fire pit”).
Mr. Trump’s contrast in language extends to places that support him, especially the red states that form his base. At times, he groups them together, referring collectively to “places like Indiana and Iowa and Idaho.”
The same map labels Idaho, Iowa, and Indiana with the quote: “states that you don’t even hear too much of because they’re so good and so well run.”
He has also expressed admiration for Montana and Alaska.
A quote located on Montana reads “land of cowboys and cattle hands … one of the most beautiful places in all of God’s creation.” A quote located on Alaska reads “an incredible place and beautiful state.”
Here is a selection of places he has described as “beautiful,” “great,” or “good,” or expressed his love for.
The map labels thirty locations across the United States that Mr. Trump has praised as “beautiful,” “incredible,” or “great,” or professed his love for.
One of Mr. Trump’s distinctive traits is his tendency to combine these viewpoints, highlighting places he believes were once beautiful but are now in decline. If his campaign revolves around his promise to restore America’s greatness, he evidently sees a lot of work ahead — in both small cities like Aurora, Colo., and Springfield, Ohio …
A quote near Aurora and Springfield reads “These were two beautiful, successful towns, idyllic. And they’re in trouble, big trouble.” A quote located on Montana reads “land of cowboys and cattle hands… one of the most beautiful places in all of God’s creation.”
… and larger ones like Detroit and New York City.
A quote located on Detroit reads “once great city.” A quote located on New York City reads “city in decline.”
This rhetorical strategy shapes Mr. Trump’s vision for the entire nation he aims to lead once again. He positions himself as the sole savior of the country …
A quote overlaying the map of the United States reads “our once great country, soon to be greater-than-ever-before country.”
… and depicts the alternative as grim.
A quote overlaying the map of the United States reads “Your country is being turned into a third world hellhole ruled by censors, perverts, criminals, and thugs.”
