Donald Trump's reading skills have long been a subject of debate, and a recent appearance on the YouTube series Storytime with the Second Lady has only added fuel to the fire. In this segment, Trump attempts to read a children's book titled "Presidents Play!" by Jonathan Pliska, which is designed for second-grade readers. What unfolds is a bizarre and entertaining display of Trump's unique reading style, or lack thereof.
One thing that immediately stands out is Trump's apparent struggle with the concept of reading for pleasure. When asked about his reading habits, Trump admits, "I end up reading mostly newspapers, mostly stories about myself." This raises a deeper question: is Trump's reading limited to self-promotion and self-aggrandizement? Or is there a more complex psychological reason behind his reading habits?
The book itself, "Presidents Play!", is a simple and straightforward story about visiting the White House. With an estimated second-grade reading level, it is a book that should be accessible to young readers. However, Trump's performance suggests otherwise. As he reads, he shifts between narrating the words on the page and offering unfiltered commentary on his predecessors, their physical appearances, and his own self-image. This raises the question: is Trump's reading a form of performance art, or is he genuinely struggling with the material?
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between the book's intended audience and Trump's reading style. While the book is designed for second-graders, Trump's reading is more akin to a rambling monologue. This raises the question: is Trump's reading a reflection of his cognitive abilities, or is it a deliberate attempt to engage with a younger audience?
In my opinion, Trump's reading performance is a window into his unique personality and cognitive style. It is a fascinating insight into the mind of a man who has mastered the art of self-promotion, but struggles with the more nuanced aspects of communication. As for whether he knows how to read, the answer is a complex one. While he can certainly read words and phrases, his reading style suggests a more superficial engagement with the material. Perhaps, in his own words, "I’m not sure if I look good in a bathing suit." But when it comes to reading a book, the question remains: is he truly reading, or is he merely observing and commenting on the pictures?
