Why Donald Trump Follows So Few People on Twitter

Donald Trump, the former U.S. President, has maintained a unique presence on social media, particularly on Twitter. One of the most striking aspects of his Twitter behavior is the low number of followers he has chosen to follow himself. This article explores the reasons behind his limited following habits and sheds light on the broader implications of his social media behavior.

The Reasons Behind Trump's Limited Following Habits

1. Denial of Dependence

One of the primary reasons for Trump's limited following on Twitter is his tendency to avoid acknowledging others as more than mere props for his grand narrative. This behavior is a manifestation of his larger worldview which often sees others as mere tools to further his own agenda. By not following other individuals or entities, Trump maintains a sense of independence and superiority that aligns with his self-perception as the self-made leader who does not need the validation of others. This approach also helps him control the narrative, keeping a tight grip on the conversation and maintaining his image as a solitary figure of authority.

2. Lack of Reading Skills

Another factor contributing to Trump's limited following on Twitter is his alleged difficulty in reading. This condition, often referred to as dyslexia or reading difficulties, can make it challenging for him to engage with content written by others. As a result, he may prefer to follow only those he can quickly comprehend or have pre-existing familiarity with, such as family members, business associates, and conservative news personalities. This preference for simplicity and familiarity further reinforces his limited social media presence and limits the diversity of voices and information he engages with.

A Summary of Trump's Social Media Strategy

When examining Trump's social media choices, it becomes clear that his limited following habits are intertwined with his broader messaging strategy. He is known to prioritize self-presentation and control over the immediate feedback, making him less likely to engage with diverse and contrary viewpoints. By limiting his following, he ensures that the voices he does engage with align with his own narrative, reinforcing his self-image as an unapologetic leader.

Contrast with Barack Obama

To better understand Trump's behavior, it is useful to compare his social media habits with those of his predecessor, Barack Obama. Barack Obama, widely regarded as a master of social media, has a significantly larger number of followers on Twitter and a more diverse following. He actively engages with a wide range of individuals and organizations, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and transparency. Obama's social media presence serves as a model of engagement and communication, allowing him to connect with a broader audience and gather diverse perspectives.

Implications for Social Media and Leadership

The contrasting social media strategies of Trump and Obama highlight the importance of effective engagement and diverse perspectives in modern leadership. While Trump prefers to limit his interaction to those who align with his worldview, Obama's inclusive approach has proven to be more effective in building coalitions and fostering dialogue. This contrast underscores the need for leaders to be open to different perspectives and to use social media as a tool for engagement rather than solely as a platform for self-promotion.

Conclusion

Donald Trump's limited following on Twitter reflects his broader social media strategy and personal inclinations. By limiting his engagement to a select few, he preserves control over his narrative and messaging. However, this strategy also limits the diversity of voices he interacts with and may be less effective in fostering dialogue and building broad-based support. In contrast, Barack Obama's extensive following and inclusive approach serve as a model for effective social media engagement and leadership.