The Press the Presidency

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Juris Doctor

**President Trump 2.0:** Not since Grover Cleveland lost the White House in 1889, only to return four years later in 1893, have we seen a president lose the presidency and then regain it four years later. As we begin 2026 – a mid term election year, we, as Americans, are starting a new chapter in our history. Will this chapter reflect the Trump years, characterized by a strong focus on policy shared through social media and less interaction with traditional press? Are his strong views about the conventional press a breath of fresh air, or do they signal a different relationship with a healthy media that challenges checks and authority? This course examines the historical and current relationships between presidential communication, audiences, and the President's Executive Office, especially during a president's first year. The course is particularly relevant in today's political climate, where the role of media and communication in shaping public opinion is more crucial than ever. Students in the public policy field will benefit greatly from this class, as it emphasizes that policymakers operate within a government system where policy affects almost every aspect of their daily work. This course provides students with the theory and real-world examples needed to understand and evaluate the impact of rhetoric on policymaking. Readings will include selections from public policy and communications literature. While the Executive Branch coexists with the legislative and judicial branches, it is well-known that the President often dominates and influences news cycles with every move and statement— especially in the age of social media. This course will analyze the communicative aspects of the American presidency and the communication styles of several American presidents classified as "great communicators." We will also familiarize ourselves with the communication tools used by presidents and the rhetoric that defines the presidency, applying the skills of rhetorical criticism.