✍️ I'm Indignant—and I Have Every Right to Be

The President’s Words Are Public Acts—And We Deserve Better

Temporary President Donald Trump can speak however he wants to his family, his friends, his business associates, and even his current staff in private. But when he represents the U.S. citizens as president, his words must rise to a higher standard.

When he speaks publicly—on social media, in speeches and interviews, or through official statements—he is speaking as the head of state and the leader of our government. He is not just another loud voice in the room.

He’s our representative to the nation and the world. And with that responsibility comes the obligation to speak and act with respect, clarity, and truthfulness.

As one of millions of Americans he is supposed to serve, I expect him to use language that reflects the seriousness of his office. His preferences, plans, and policies must be communicated in ways that are informed, thoughtful, and worthy of the presidency.

That’s not a radical demand. It’s the same expectation my supervisors had of me and my colleagues during my 30 years as a local government employee. I was expected to write and speak clearly, accurately, and with respect for the public agencies I represented.

If I had used deceitful, inflammatory, or offensive language in communicating with the public, I would have been held accountable. I expect the same standard for all public officials, including the president of the United States.

I believe I’m speaking for the majority of Americans—across party lines—who expect our leaders to demonstrate integrity in their communications, not just power.

I am certain that stockholders across the country expect their corporate executives and spokespeople to communicate clearly—and not embarrass their companies with inarticulate, rambling public statements.

More than a century ago, former President Theodore Roosevelt put it this way:

The President is merely the most important among a large number of public servants. He should be supported or opposed exactly to the degree which is warranted by his good conduct or bad conduct, his efficiency or inefficiency. …

To announce that there must be no criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President, right or wrong, is not only unpatriotic and servile, but is morally treasonable to the American public.

— The Kansas City Star, May 7, 1918

His warning still rings true today, especially when our democracy depends on a well-informed, respectful public discourse.

Trump is not above us. He works for us. And when he speaks as our president, he should act like it.