Six times Donald Trump used 'sarcasm' to gaslight America

Donald Trump dismissing his potentially lethal suggestion that coronavirus patients inject disinfectant as "sarcasm" isn't the first time he has downplayed dangerous or false claims after facing a backlash.

His use of "sarcasm" is "definitely taking advantage of the plausible deniability" while manipulating his supporters and undermining the media, according to Jennifer R Mercieca, associate professor of communication at Texas A&M University and the author of Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump.




The president's "sarcasm" is part of his rhetorical strategy on which he has relied for several years on the campaign trail and in the White House, she tells The Independent. Calling his own earnest remarks "sarcasm" and claiming the media has taken his words out of context plant enough seeds of doubt and distrust among his supporters.