Trump’s Asymmetric Attacks
When Leadership Mimics Sabotage
When Donald Trump claims, “People are saying,” it’s rarely an innocent remark. This rhetorical tactic, repeated throughout his public life, serves as a form of asymmetric attack — an intentional act of misinformation that undermines trust, sows discord, and destabilizes discourse. In systems like Byzantine Fault Tolerance (BFT), where trust and honesty are paramount, such behavior would be recognized as an attack — a threat not just to communication but to the integrity of the entire system.
When these tactics are employed by the supposed leader of the free world, they go beyond political maneuvering and veer into dangerous territory. They resemble strategies used by saboteurs or terrorists rather than the behaviors expected from a democratic leader.
The Asymmetric Nature of Trump’s Tactics
Asymmetric attackers operate by exploiting vulnerabilities in a system, using lies, half-truths, or distortions to maximize disruption. Trump’s use of “People are saying” fits this pattern perfectly. The phrase is deliberately vague, providing plausible deniability while creating the illusion of widespread agreement or concern. It allows Trump to:
- Avoid Accountability: By attributing controversial statements to anonymous sources, he distances himself from the implications of his claims.
- Sow Confusion: The vagueness of “people” makes it impossible to verify or refute, turning discourse into a chaotic battle of narratives.
- Exploit Credibility Gaps: The tactic preys on existing distrust in media and institutions, making it easier to spread misinformation.
In Byzantine Fault Tolerance systems, such behavior would be classified as malicious and potentially catastrophic. These systems are designed to handle failures and miscommunication, but sustained attacks by dishonest participants can push them to the brink of collapse. Similarly, when a leader spreads unsubstantiated claims, they erode public trust — the cornerstone of any functional democracy.
