Abstract
PurposeThis research is a critical discourse analysis (CDA) of Trump's speech on January 6, 2021, which results in his supporters' storming the US Capitol in order to challenge certifying Biden's victory. The Democrats accused Trump of incitement of insurrection. Consequently, Trump was impeached. This article investigates Trump's speech to label it as hate speech or free speech.Design/methodology/approachAnalytical framework is tri-dimensional. The textual analysis is based on Halliday's notion of process types and Huckin's discourse tools of foregrounding and topicalization. The socio-cognitive analysis is based on Van Dijk's ideological square and his theory of mental models. The philosophical dimension is founded on Habermas's theory of discourse. These parameters are the cornerstones of the barometer that will be utilized to reach an objective evaluation of Trump's speech.FindingsFindings suggest that Trump usually endows “I, We, You” with topic positions to lay importance on himself and his supporters. He frequently uses material process to urge the crowds' action. He categorizes Americans into two conflicting poles: He and his supporters versus the media and the Democrats. Mental models are created and activated so that the other is always negatively depicted. Reports about corruption are denied in court. Despite that, Trump repeats such reports. This is immoral in Habermas's terms. The study concludes that Trump delivered hate speech in order to incite the mob to act in a manner that may change the election results.Originality/valueThe study is original in its tri-dimensional framework and its data of analysis.
Highlights
In the constitution of the United States of America, the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly
The Democrats accuse Donald Trump of incitement of insurrection, which means that he encourages a rebellion against the authority, after his speech on January 6, 2021
Though Trump is cleared of the charge, the question about the difference between free speech and inciting speech is at issue
Summary
In the constitution of the United States of America, the First Amendment guarantees the freedom of speech, religion, press and assembly (https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/). The Democrats accuse Donald Trump of incitement of insurrection, which means that he encourages a rebellion against the authority, after his speech on January 6, 2021. On January 6, 2021, the Congress managed to certify President-elect Joe Biden’s victory depending on the count of the electoral votes. Donald Trump delivered a speech, which resulted in his supporters’ attack on the US Capitol. Trump’s supporters stormed the Capitol to object to the result of the presidential elections. Accused of inciting an armed rebellion at the Capitol, Trump was impeached. Impeachment means that the House of Representatives charges Trump so that the Senate votes to acquit or convict him. Though Trump is cleared of the charge, the question about the difference between free speech and inciting speech is at issue. Is there a discourse barometer that signals the border line between freedom of speech and hate speech?
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