Stupid Is As Stoopid Does: How President "Smitty" Trump Has Dumbed Down The Western World

A raw deal.

LookingNWords At Words

If you are a Black Person in the United States and possess an intelligence quotient above room temperature you already understand the importance of language. I don’t expect everyone to be as obsessed with it as I am; but it is, nonetheless, the most potent weapon on Earth. In “US” history language is used to both oppress and liberate. Until all people, especially the aforementioned group, learn how to weaponize it they will continue to be casualties of its weaponization.

Thus, the name of this publication.

Sort of.

Old Fart And The Deal

Donald “Smitty” Trump has "dumbed down" not just the United States (if that is possible) but the so-called Western world. My fascination at how a cretin and dullard could become such an insidious elected influence is as mournful as it is infinite. Diplomats and journalists all over the world no longer speak about treaties, accords, agreements, they speak about "deals." Treaties, accords, and agreements are precise legal instruments rooted in precedent and institutional norms; reducing them to “deals” strips away their legal gravitas and structural accountability. In one fell swoop Smitty has inseminated a used car salesman gaudy cheapness to diplomacy, international relations and damned near everything else.

There goes the neighborhood, Mr. Rogers.

Stacking The Deck With Trump Cards

A trump card is any valuable resource kept in reserve that can be used to gain the upper hand in a tricky situation, debate, or negotiation; though it is a term generally associated with card games. Metaphorically, "playing your trump card" means using your most decisive piece of leverage—such as a surprise witness in a trial or a secret piece of information—to automatically secure success when you are otherwise falling behind.

That having been stated, Trump used to own casinos but, alas, he was compelled to exit the gambling and casino industry entirely after years of corporate bankruptcies. Perhaps he didn’t have the cards. Nonetheless, the irony is striking (I’ll get to “strike” momentarily).

Trump held a notorious meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on February 28, 2025. In full bully mode, President Smitty infamously told Zelensky “you don’t have the cards” referencing the war with Russia. Again, the irony is striking.

Since that time, and I pay close attention to these linguistic tics as well as their adoption, not a day goes by when I do not hear a reporter use the word “cards.” The strait of Hormuz “card.” The Houthi “card.” President Xi’s rare earth mineral “card.” It is literally nauseating. It is nauseating not only in its cheapness, not only because it is indicative of cerebral and intellectual sheepishness, but because it is downright dangerous.

More Card Games: Hit Me!

Yesterday, I published an article addressing the numerous geopolitical conflicts affecting the globe. Before Trump, when the “US” bombed someone, or something, it was called just that. “The US bombs Laos.” “Bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.” Or it was an attack: “the US attacks vital infrastructure in XYZ country.” Now, in yet another fell swoop, neither word is used. Suddenly, like in a game of Blackjack, the media uses the word “hit” or “strike.” Straight out of Smitty’s lexicon for dummies.

It’s The Language, Stupid

In the film Forrest Gump, the phrase “stupid is as stupid does” asserts that a person’s intelligence should be judged by their actions and behavior rather than their intellect, labels, or perceived cognitive ability. It suggests that acting foolishly makes someone foolish, regardless of their IQ. The statement originates from Forrest’s mother (played by Sally Field), who teaches him the principle so he isn’t defined by his below-average IQ. Forrest (Tom Hanks) later uses the line as a deflection when asked if he is “stupid or something,” specifically aiming to brush off condescending remarks by focusing on conduct rather than labels.

I have studied, read, and been educated by some really smart people in my life. I mean intellectual giants; and though I may not be one of them, I eternally aspire to be. Why anyone voluntarily mimics an idiot will remain one of my life’s greatest fascinations. Tragedy thereof notwithstanding.