Legal experts long debate mechanisms to restrain a president wielding nuclear authority, yet smartphones present a distinct challenge for leaders like Donald Trump. Global figures rely on teams to refine statements, but Trump frequently unleashes impulsive, mistake-laden posts from his iPhone during early morning hours.
Spelling Errors and Volatile Messaging
Recent examples include misspelling ‘which’ as ‘witch’ in one post and ‘reign’ instead of ‘rain’ in another discussing Iran. These outbursts intensify during conflicts, where threats to bomb Iran ‘back to the Stone Age’ alternate with ceasefire hints, triggering sharp market swings.
Advisers’ Limited Oversight
Trump’s team sometimes guides his online activity strategically. A note from Secretary of State Marco Rubio once instructed him to ‘Approve Truth Social post.’ During business hours, he dictates content to aides Natalie Harp, known as the ‘human printer’ for providing printouts, and Dan Scavino, his former golf caddy turned deputy chief of staff. These posts feature Trump’s signature all-caps, insults, and abrupt closings but show fewer typos.
Concerns grow that his shrinking inner circle amplifies rather than curbs his erratic style. On Easter Sunday at 8:03 a.m., he posted: ‘Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy b*****ds, or you’ll be living in Hell. Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP.’ The sign-off suggests he typed it himself, though aides likely nearby encouraged the provocation.
Unrestrained Late-Night Activity
Many posts evade review. One December evening, he shared 160 messages between 7 p.m. and midnight. He often continues into early hours when staff are absent. Trump also fields calls from hundreds of reporters on his mobile, placing some on speaker for bystanders to hear.
Social media remains his preferred outlet since the 2000s. In his second term, age and power amplify the issue on his unprofitable Truth Social platform, free from external limits.
Market Manipulation Theories
Speculation mounts that Trump blends war and peace signals to manipulate markets, benefiting allies and family like sons Donald Jr., Eric, and Barron. Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf warned followers: ‘Heads-up: Pre-market so-called “news” or “Truth” is often just a setup for profit-taking. Basically, it’s a reverse indicator. “Do the opposite: If they pump it, short it. If they dump it, go long.”‘
The ‘Mad Man’ Approach Evolves
Trump’s unpredictable posts form a ‘mad man’ tactic, sowing confusion among adversaries. Washington observers fear escalating extremes as foes adapt, with online antics overshadowing governance amid his first major military engagement.
