Trump eerily channels 1984 in speech to veterans


President Trump on Tuesday went to Kansas City, Missouri, to give an address to the Veterans of Foreign Wars convention, and unwittingly offered up a bit of literary analysis in the process.
Trump sought to defend his escalating trade war, reassuring the audience that the U.S. is "doing better than ever before, economically," despite news that the Department of Agriculture will provide $12 billion in emergency funding to farmers who have been hurt by recent tariffs on various crops. The president doubled down on his claim that his tariffs "are the greatest," while simultaneously seizing the chance to blame the "fake news media."
"Just remember," said Trump, "what you're seeing and what you're reading is not what's happening." He promised attendees that "it's all working out" as planned. Critics were quick to notice the parallels between Trump's words and George Orwell's 1984, the dystopian novel that warns of an all-controlling government that manipulates the public.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"The Party told you to reject the evidence of your eyes and ears," the novel reads. "It was their final, most essential command." Trump, who reportedly doesn't read much, may not have realized just how Orwellian he sounded — but perhaps it's fitting that the president would accidentally allude to the novel after sending it back to the bestsellers list.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Summer Meza has worked at The Week since 2018, serving as a staff writer, a news writer and currently the deputy editor. As a proud news generalist, she edits everything from political punditry and science news to personal finance advice and film reviews. Summer has previously written for Newsweek and the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, covering national politics, transportation and the cannabis industry.
-
July 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Saturday’s political cartoons include an extrajudicial detainment camp, 'alligator Alcatraz', and tax cuts for billionaires.
-
5 explosively funny cartoons about the 4th of July
Cartoons Artists take on liberty and justice for all, a terrifying firework, and more
-
Jeff in Venice: a "triumph of tackiness"?
In the Spotlight Locals protest as Bezos uses the city as a 'private amusement park' for his wedding celebrations
-
Judge blocks Trump's asylum ban at US border
Speed Read The president violated federal law by shutting down the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers, said the ruling
-
Thai court suspends prime minister over leaked call
Speed Read Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has been suspended, pending an ethics investigation
-
Senate passes GOP megabill after Alaska side deal
The pivotal yes vote came from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, whose support was secured following negotiated side deals for her home state Alaska
-
Trump sues LA over immigration policies
Speed Read He is suing over the city's sanctuary law, claiming it prevents local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities
-
Obama, Bush and Bono eulogize USAID on final day
Speed Read The US Agency for International Development, a humanitarian organization, has been gutted by the Trump administration
-
The last words and final moments of 40 presidents
The Explainer Some are eloquent quotes worthy of the holders of the highest office in the nation, and others... aren't
-
Senate advances GOP bill that costs more, cuts more
Speed Read The bill would make giant cuts to Medicaid and food stamps, leaving 11.8 million fewer people with health coverage
-
Canadian man dies in ICE custody
Speed Read A Canadian citizen with permanent US residency died at a federal detention center in Miami