INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM’S COLLECTIVE NARRATIVE OF TRUMP IN BUSINESS

Abstract

This article explores the collective journalistic narrative of Donald Trump’s business career. While Trump’s presentation of self as a successful businessman and celebrity was his primary rationale for his presidential candidacy, these investigative reporters paint a negative portrait of his conduct. Two years into the Trump administration, it is mired by a remarkable series of financial and other scandals, resulting in the forced resignations of top officials and increasing criticism of others. The emerging narrative is that the administration has attracted the type of individual drawn to a culture of corruption, which is in turn seen as emanating from the business culture embraced by Trump and his family.