Donald Trump was fired by NBC on Monday following repeated instances of racist rhetoric concerning immigration policy. This announcement followed Univision’s lead when the lesser known broadcasting company cut ties with Trump last Thursday.
NBC’s move followed a petition on Change.org that collected more than 218,000 signatures imploring the company to cut ties. Additionally, the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda and 39 other Latino advocacy organizations asked NBC to terminate their contract with the real estate mogul.
Trump has repeatedly used racially charged rhetoric when addressing the topic of immigration throughout his presidential campaign. During his announcement, Trump asserted that Mexicans are, “bringing drugs, they’re brining crime, theyre rapists and some, I assume, are good people.” Along this line of thinking, his solution is to build a “really, really big wall” spanning the southern border that would be financed by the Mexican government.
To avoid a fiasco, NBC denounced Trump’s comments. “At NBC, respect and dignity for all people are cornerstones of our values.” In the interest of preserving the successful franchise Trump helped build, the broadcasting conglomerate is exploring ways to air “Celebrity Apprentice” without the show’s cash cow. However, the future of “The Apprentice” is unclear as the show is on hiatus.
In the announcement, it was also revealed that NBC will no longer air the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants as the two programs were cosponsored by the network and Trump.
Trump’s response to the news was fierce. In his opinion, “NBC is weak, and like everybody else is trying to be politically correct. That is why our country is in serious trouble.” Trump was also flummoxed by the decision in the wake of NBC’s announcement that it would retain Brian Williams, “They will stand behind lying Brian Williams, but won’t stand behind people that tell it like it is, as unpleasant as that may be,” he said.
Trump continued, “When I come out with a strong immigration stance, and I’m very strong on borders and I’m very strong on crime, that maybe I’ll lose NBC along the way.” After a campaign speech to civic leaders in Chicago, Trump said, “Whatever they want to do is ok with me.”
That’s simply not true though. Trump has already announced his intention to sue Univision for not airing either pageant. He also said that he is considering suing NBC.
To this point, Trump has believed himself to be infallible and untouchable. Trump has painted himself as the ultimate truth-teller, but he should probably listen to the truth first. The “truths” that he speaks are racist and factually incorrect. And unfortunately, a truth he will never learn is that not all publicity is good.
Most assumed his bid for 2016 was simply a publicity stunt designed to attract more attention with the byproducts of increased ratings and providing sustenance for his oversized ego. And while Trump may be second in New Hampshire polls at the moment, his odds of winning the Republican nomination are the lowest in American history.
Therefore Trump’s plan has clearly backfired. Instead of increasing ratings for his television shows, he lost them all together. Instead of furthering his views and agendas, he has made a mockery of them. And instead of becoming president, he has threatened the security of his brand. Could NBC’s announcement be the death of Donald Trump? Only time will tell.
