Gonzo Governance: The Media Logic of Donald Trump

Drawing on social science and communications theory, Gonzo Governance offers a new interpretation of Presidential power that shifts focus to the media dynamics that surrounded Donald Trump. The former President’s unhinged behavior and skilled media and digital manipulations changed the nature and process of significant governance at the federal and state levels, including denying election results and restricting voting opportunities. He went ‘Gonzo’ – promoting himself without regard for conventional norms and practices – and blasted ideological fault lines into explosive political fragments, resulting in so much dissensus that numerous legislators would not recognize the newly elected President Biden, nor would they agree to take a potential life-saving vaccine because it had been associated with a politicized virus, Covid-19.