Disinformation and Trump’s use of the Alien Narrative when Depicting Southern Border Immigration in his Rally Speeches

This thesis examines the political motivations behind the use of the alien narrative in Donald Trump’s Presidential election campaign speeches. It attempts to fulfill this purpose by employing CDA based on the works by van Dijk (2015) and Fairclough (2003). The securitization theory and framing theory guide the study by examining various instances of narrative use. This study is predicated on the assumption that the alien narrative, as used in campaign discourse, is a strategy within a more sophisticated effort involving disinformation and information manipulation. Using a case study approach and analyzing eight rally speeches through a systematic coding process, this thesis uncovers how the alien narrative serves a purpose in constructing a sense of crisis to justify extraordinary policy measures, delegitimize political opponents, and cultivate an in-group identity among supporters through populist means. The findings convey that Trump consistently frames illegal immigrants as...Show moreThis thesis examines the political motivations behind the use of the alien narrative in Donald Trump’s Presidential election campaign speeches. It attempts to fulfill this purpose by employing CDA based on the works by van Dijk (2015) and Fairclough (2003). The securitization theory and framing theory guide the study by examining various instances of narrative use. This study is predicated on the assumption that the alien narrative, as used in campaign discourse, is a strategy within a more sophisticated effort involving disinformation and information manipulation. Using a case study approach and analyzing eight rally speeches through a systematic coding process, this thesis uncovers how the alien narrative serves a purpose in constructing a sense of crisis to justify extraordinary policy measures, delegitimize political opponents, and cultivate an in-group identity among supporters through populist means. The findings convey that Trump consistently frames illegal immigrants as existential threats, employing militarized language and with appeals to fear and national decline. These moves legitimized the use of extreme policies such as mass deportations and attempted to shift public discourse. The thesis validates three hypotheses: that Trump uses the alien narrative to construct crises, blame opponents, and foster in-group solidarity. By revealing how language can act as a catalyst for securitization and information manipulation, this research contributes to the broader realm of disinformation in populist rhetoric and migration discourse. It offers a contemporary example of the power of language in shaping public perception and legitimizing exclusionary policies in democratic societies.Show less

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Disinformation and Trump’s use of the Alien Narrative when Depicting Southern Border Immigration in his Rally Speeches