A CALL TO DEFEND: A RHETORICAL ANALYSIS OF DONALD TRUMP’S SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

Abstract

Donald Trump’s policy as president espoused some of the most radically pro-Israelsentiment any administration has pushed and led to the recognition of the Golan Heights, the movement of Israel’s capitol to Jerusalem, and the brokerage of recognition and relationship-building between Israel and the UAE and Israel and Bahrain. Ostensibly, these actions look strictly beneficial but going forward conflating pro-Israel sentiment with political movements that also embolden white supremacists will have lasting implications on continued U.S. support. This thesis presents an in-depth analysis of a communication event that pervades everyday human interaction: the call. This phenomenon has had a profound impact on my lived experience and has fueled my determination and drive toward parsing narratives about Israel and fixing the lasting damage the Trump administration has had on the American pro-Israel constituency.