[Air-L] CFM: Symbolic Interaction and Donald Trump

[Sarina Chen]

CFM: *Symbolic Interaction and Donald Trump*

Donald Trump, an American politician, businessman, and media personality,
is undoubtedly one of the most polarizing persons in the 20th and 21st
centuries.  Once the 45th President of the United States, he is about to
take the Oath of Office (on January 20, 2025) that will affirm his stature
as the inaugurated 47th President.  Critics describe Trump as "an abrasive
leader" who, in the words of *The Guardian's* Archie Bland, "has taken his
party from the conventional right to the (radical) populist flank." His
comments depict a dark vision of this country and, as many critics have
noted, are often accompanied by racially charged assertions and
misogynistic characterizations. He frequently and ardently insults his
political opponents, claims that "only he" can institute measures that will
"control of the border," and has become the object of Elon Musk's love.

Notably, as seen in his performance during the Presidential Debate, and in
his nocturnal postings on his *Truth Social *platform, Trump has promoted
conspiracy theories, making false and misleading statements that,
seemingly, have contributed to his popularity. For instance, when he lost
the 2020 presidential election, he not only refused to concede, but claimed
electoral fraud. Concomitantly, he attempted to overturn the results
through his involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack.

Trump has also been involved in several civil and criminal prosecutions.
In 2023 civil proceedings, Trump was found liable for sexual abuse and
defamation, and in 2024, for financial fraud.  Further, in May 2024, Trump
was found guilty of falsifying business records. Recently, on January 10,
2025, Judge Juan Merchan sentenced Trump to an unconditional discharge,
both affirming that Trump is the first U.S. president to be convicted of a
crime and a convicted criminal who will serve no time in prison (with no
strings attached).

Due to the significance and controversies surrounding Trump, current events
related to him seem worthy of sociological (and especially, interactionist)
analysis.  It is our belief that studying the social activities surrounding
Trump will aid in the development and enrichment of a comprehensive theory
of social behavior in contemporary society.  With this understanding, *Studies
in Symbolic Interaction*, Vol. 63, *Symbolic Interaction and Donald Trump*,
is devoted to the interactionist analyses of Donald Trump, on topics which
include, but not limited to:

Donald Trump and charismatic relationships
Donald Trump and U.S. politics
Donald Trump and political movement
Donald Trump and right-wing narratives
Donald Trump and Christian Trumpism
Donald Trump and political campaigns
Donald Trump and persuasion
Donald Trump and falsehoods
Donald Trump and immigration
Donald Trump and journalism
Donald Trump and media
Donald Trump and social media
Donald Trump and women
Donald Trump and minorities

For all interested, please send an abstract of no more than 750 words to
Shing-Ling Sarina Chen (sarina.chen at uni.edu) by *March, 1, 2025*.

If an abstract is selected for inclusion, the deadline of completing the
manuscript is *September 30, 2025*.

Thank you very much for your consideration.  Looking forward to hearing
from you.

Shing-Ling Sarina Chen
Editor, *Studies in Symbolic Interaction*

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