Donald Trump's Musical Taste: From Sycophants to Surfers
Donald Trump, the former president, is often perceived through a lens of political controversy, but his taste in music, or his lack thereof, adds another layer to his unique persona. This article delves into the array of musical influences in Trump's life, from his childhood TV shows to his favoring of political sycophants in government, all the way to his fondness for surf rock.
Early Influences: Romper Room’s House Band
During his formative years, particularly in the 1950s, Donald Trump developed a fondness for music, albeit through the lens of a television show. His favorite band was the house band on the popular children's show, Romper Room. The band's catchphrase, "bompity bompity bompity boo," and the colorful costumes worn by the performers left a lasting impression on Trump. These whimsical images, featuring an array of vivid oranges, were mirrored in the future president's tactical color choices, most notably his infamous orange hair and jumpsuit.
More importantly, it's speculated that Trump may have also picked up on dance moves from the show’s performances. However, it seems the show didn't contribute much to his moral or ethical development, as his attention span and moral compass remain an enduring point of contention.
The Sad State of His Education: Neglected and Cut Short
Tragically, a combination of factors, such as a lack of quality education and a short attention span, may have led to a significant gap in Trump's moral and ethical understanding. Instead of learning valuable life lessons, he may have focused excessively on entertainment and aesthetics, often at the expense of deeper, more meaningful experiences.
Political Sycophancy: The Band of Svengalis in Congress
As a political figure, Trump's connections to his supporters in government are questionable. The band of sycophants in Congress who shamelessly prop up his image and policies can be seen as a twisted sort of siren song, luring him with flattery and support. This political herd has arguably fueled his ego and reinforced his decisions, whether ethically commendable or not. Their impact on his public persona is undeniably significant, influencing not only policy but also the reception of his public appearances and performances.
Music and His Inauguration: A Mixed Bag
When it came time for his inauguration in 2017, Trump faced a challenge in finding willing entertainers. According to reports, no one would perform at his inauguration due to his controversial status. However, this did not stop the president from seeking musical entertainment at his rallies. One instance is notably remembered for his “dancing” to the Village People's "YMCA," a performance that highlighted his preference for catchy, upbeat tunes.
While fans of the Village People might have enjoyed the performance, Trump's choice of music and the symbolism behind it was missed by some. The Village People, known for its LGBTQ themes and representation, was likely unintentionally celebrated as a form of support from a community that Trump often denigrates in his public remarks. This performance illustrated a striking contradiction in his personal tastes and political actions, leading some to question his true understanding and appreciation of diverse music and culture.
From Rock to Surf: His Final Musical Preferences
As Trump's political career waned, his musical preferences became more eccentric and vacuous. Despite a brief flirtation with rock music, including artists like Tom Petty, Elton John, The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Neil Young, his tastes eventually narrowed to superficial and more simplistic forms of entertainment. In the end, his last-band of choice seems to have been the surf rock band, The Butthole Surfers, whose raucous and energetic music echoed a distorted version of the late 1960s and 1970s counter-culture.
This eclectic mix of musical preferences reflects a larger theme of tribalism and echo chambers in contemporary politics. Trump's musical taste, much like his political preferences, highlights a dismissal of diverse influences and a reliance on familiar, often repetitive, sounds and images.
While the music he embraced might not be considered sophisticated or progressive, it speaks volumes about the nature of his presidency, one dominated by noise and a refusal to engage with a broader range of cultural and musical influences.