Politicians are increasingly using profanity in public discourse, moving away from scripted language. This trend indicates that politicians may be using strong language to project authenticity and to distance themselves from traditional political norms. Nick Beauchamp, a professor at Northeastern University, noted that this shift reflects a dissatisfaction with the status quo and an anti-establishment sentiment that has been growing for over a decade.
Recently, President Trump stated that American forces would 'beat the f***ing shit' out of Iranian forces following an attack on U.S. troops in Jordan. Additionally, Senator Bernie Moreno criticized Anthony Fauci during a Senate hearing, questioning his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Data from Cardiff University shows that public officials have used profanity at least 692 times since 1919, with 605 of those instances occurring in the last decade. Trump and President Biden account for 78% of this recorded profanity, with Biden using milder terms and Trump opting for more explicit language.
Research indicates that voters perceive profanity as informal, which can enhance their impression of candidates, making them seem more relatable. However, while this strategy may improve candidates' appeal, it does not necessarily persuade voters. The effectiveness of swearing varies, with male politicians benefiting more from this approach compared to their female counterparts, who are often viewed positively regardless of their language.
Engagement-driven algorithms on social media platforms allow politicians to reach voters without the restrictions imposed by the Federal Communications Commission on traditional media. This environment rewards both supporters and critics of explicit language, amplifying its presence in political discourse. Beauchamp suggests that while profanity can connect with voters, it cannot replace substantive policy discussions.