The share of words associated with violence in Donald Trump's speeches more than doubled, rising from almost 0.6% in 2016 to 1.6% in 2024, according to The Conversation. The dramatic increase in violent rhetoric from 0.6% to 1.6% is a deliberate shift in political communication, aimed at shaping cultural narratives and public opinion through more aggressive language.
Modern figures possess significant power to influence public opinion and engagement, but this power often operates independently of their actual expertise, creating both opportunities and risks for democracy. The tension between influence and expertise forms the core challenge in understanding contemporary influence.
Based on the increasing influence of non-expert public figures and the amplification of specific rhetoric via digital platforms, the landscape of public opinion formation appears increasingly susceptible to emotional appeals over reasoned debate, potentially challenging traditional democratic structures.
The Rise of Epistemic Power Beyond Expertise
Celebrities wield significant epistemic power, defined as the capacity to influence what people believe, even when this power is unconnected to relevant expertise. This phenomenon poses a problem for traditional democratic legitimacy theories, according to research by Archer et al. (2020). Public belief formation increasingly occurs outside the channels of established knowledge or specialized authority.
This decoupling of influence from expertise creates a new dynamic where public figures, regardless of their credentials, can shape collective understanding. The public may attribute credibility to these figures based on their visibility or charisma, rather than on their factual accuracy or depth of knowledge.
Rhetoric as a Tool: Shaping Narratives
In contrast, the proportion of violent words in 40 randomly chosen weekly radio addresses by former President Barack Obama was 0.79%, according to The Conversation. Obama's 0.79% figure remained relatively stable throughout his presidency, reflecting a consistent rhetorical approach. The stark difference between Obama's stable use of violent language and Donald Trump's escalating rhetoric, combined with the concept of unearned epistemic power, reveals a significant evolution in how public figures exert influence within democratic systems.
