The Goebbels Doctrine in Trump's Communication Style

Jakarta (ANTARA) - In communication studies, there is one classic theory that remains relevant to this day: the Goebbels Doctrine. The core of this teaching is simple yet deadly; if a lie is delivered repeatedly, the public will eventually regard that lie as absolute truth. This principle was developed systematically by Joseph Goebbels, the Nazi Propaganda Minister, as a method to control public opinion through emotional manipulation. Whether intentionally or not, this is precisely what Donald Trump has been doing lately. At the very least, Trump’s communication style feels very Goebbels-like every time he provides statements on the progress of his war with Israel against Iran. What Trump repeatedly proclaims is the claim of the extraordinary capabilities of the American military to defeat Iran in a very short time, a narrative of instant victory designed to build an image of unmatched power. At the end of March, Trump stated that Washington would “blow up and completely eliminate” Iran’s vital infrastructure, from power plants to desalination factories, if a peace agreement is not reached. However, by mid-April, the Strait of Hormuz was still controlled by Iran, which instead triggered a global energy supply crisis. The issue of negotiations also became propaganda that never materialised; when Trump claimed to be talking to “crazy people”, Tehran denied any talks whatsoever. Likewise, when Trump described the attack on Iran carried out with Israel as a response to a “direct threat”, it is evident how he earnestly practises the Goebbels Doctrine that a thousand lies equal the truth. This is why, even though US Senate Intelligence Committee member Mark Warner stated there is no evidence of a direct threat from Iran to US territory, Trump continues to repeat his narrative. Here, Trump is employing the Big Lie tactic, a technique that according to Goebbels must be maintained tenaciously because the masses are more likely to believe a big lie than a small one.