Audience
Donald Trump delivered his immigration speech at a rally in Phoenix, Arizona, during the 2016 presidential campaig…
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Live audience
The speech was delivered in front of a live audience mostly formed by Trump and Republican supporters, as indicated by the banners and caps the audience carried.
In the speech, Trump addresses his Phoenix audience directly: “Thank you, Phoenix. (…) I love the people of Arizona and, together, we are going to win the White House in November.” (ll. 1-5).
If …
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General American audience and illegal immigrants
The speech was also televised and transcribed by various American and international media platforms, implying that the general audience was formed by the American people in particular but also by international viewers and readers. Trump addresses the American audience in general, whenever he mentions the American people or calls for action: “Let me tell you who it doesn’t serve: it doesn’t serve you, the American people.” (ll. 31-32); “Together, we can save America itself. Join me in this mission to Make America Great Again.” (ll. 245-246)
Some categories of American people mentioned by the speaker are American families, working people, and victims of crimes commit…
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American institutions, politicians, and cities
Trump explicitly addresses politicians, donors, and special interest groups in politics: “To all the politicians, donors and special interests, hear these words from me today:” (ll. 103-104). He tries to discredit them as unreliable and alludes to Hillary Clinton's campaign funding, while he relies on his image as an outsider who can change the system.
In particular, Trump targets Barack Obama’s Administration and his opponent Hillary Clinton, whom he repeatedly blames for faulty immigration policies to discredit them. To give you just a few examples: “President Obama and Hillary Clinton have engaged in gross dereliction of duty by surrendering the safety of the American people to open borders.” (ll. 115-117); “…Secretary Hillary C…
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International audience
Trump specifically addresses the global audience and potential immigrants when he states that: “Our message to the world will be this: you cannot obtain legal status, or become a citizen of the United States, by illegally entering our country.” (ll. 369-371)
In the beginning of the speech, Trump mentions “meeting with the President of Mexico” (l. 10) and h…
