Surprising Item For Sale At The RNC

In a creative homage to former President Donald J. Trump’s unique style, two enterprising artists, Gregory Woodman and Ian Pratt, have curated a remarkable collection titled “The Collected Poems of Donald J. Trump.” Presented as a 400-page tome reminiscent of classic poetry collections, this anthology features Trump’s tweets spanning from 2009 to 2019. Priced at $45, the book has garnered attention not just for its satirical edge but also for its unexpected appeal across political lines.

The project, while playful in nature, offers a nuanced perspective that transcends political affiliations. As noted by the publisher, Trump’s tweets are imbued with a blend of Thoreau’s contentiousness, Hemingway’s terse poignancy, and the social commentary reminiscent of Ta-Nehisi Coates and Toni Morrison. This eclectic mix positions Trump as an inadvertent poet of his generation, capturing moments of controversy, humor, and cultural commentary in his succinct Twitter missives.

Gregory Woodman, one of the creators, shared that the idea germinated from Trump’s infamous “covfefe” tweet—a moment that sparked both confusion and amusement. Reflecting on Trump’s tweets through the lens of poetry, Woodman refrains from revealing his political leanings, emphasizing instead his admiration for art and poetry. For Woodman and Pratt, the project has been a labor of love, blending creativity with a genuine appreciation for the unexpected cultural impact of Trump’s social media presence.

Initially launched at the Republican National Convention, the collection has since found a broader audience through online sales, appealing not only to Trump supporters but also to enthusiasts of literary satire and contemporary culture. Its success has paved the way for a sequel, promising to chronicle Trump’s tweets from 2019 to the present day—a period marked by impeachment proceedings, global pandemics, and significant political turmoil. Described as a “literary tour de force,” the upcoming volume aims to capture the evolving narrative of Trump’s presidency through his unfiltered and often controversial Twitter reflections.

While similar endeavors have explored Trump’s tweets in satirical contexts before, including works by satirist Rob Sears, Woodman and Pratt’s project stands out for its meticulous curation and sincere exploration of Trump’s inadvertent poetic voice. By presenting Trump’s tweets as a form of modern poetry, the collection invites readers to reconsider the boundaries between politics, art, and cultural critique. It’s a testament to the enduring impact of social media on contemporary discourse and the unexpected avenues through which creativity and political commentary intersect in today’s cultural landscape.