Despite having two impeachments and a historically low average approval rating to his name, former President Donald Trump continues to boast an overwhelming influence on the Republican party—an influence that renders him a kingmaker when endorsing political candidates or recommending products.
On Wednesday, the former President issued a statement urging his supporters to read How I Saved the World, a memoir from right-wing Fox News host Jesse Watters.
NEW!\n\nPresident Trump congratulates @JesseBWatters on his new book, How I Saved the Worldpic.twitter.com/zhQcswLz2c— Liz Harrington (@Liz Harrington) 1626287671
Trump said in the statement:
"Great new book out by Jesse Watters, How I Saved the World. Interspersed are his thoughtful suggestions for overcoming left-wing radicalism, maintaining American democracy, moving beyond aging hippies (like his long-suffering, loving parents), saving the world from social justice warriors and the deep state—all while smirking his way through life in only the nicest way. Get your copy today, congratulations Jesse!"
There's just one problem: Trump's praise for the book is identical to the promotional description of Watters' book, which reads:
"Interspersed are his thoughtful suggestions for overcoming left-wing radicalism, maintaining American democracy, moving beyond aging hippies (like his long-suffering, loving parents), saving the world from social justice warriors and the deep state—all while smirking his way through life in only the nicest way."
Trump wasn't giving a personal testimony regarding the book at all—he simply plagiarized its promo materials.
LOL. Trump's latest statement is an endorsement of Jesse Watters' book that reads like a personal blurb/review from someone who has read the book, but which is actually lifted verbatim from the book's details page.pic.twitter.com/DKUHgxebMk— Jeremy Stahl (@Jeremy Stahl) 1626287501
People compared Trump's blatant plagiarism to the book report of a subpar English student.
When you forgot the book report was due today, and also never planned to do the book report to begin with.https://twitter.com/jeremystahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— Craig Tollin (@Craig Tollin) 1626301058
When I taught third grade, one of my students copied the blurb and submitted it as a book report\u2026https://twitter.com/jeremystahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— Dr. Vikash - will wear a mask if it helps - Reddy (@Dr. Vikash - will wear a mask if it helps - Reddy) 1626302420
I once flunked a student and sent him to the dean of students on plagiarism charges for doing exactly this.https://twitter.com/JeremyStahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— Zachary Schrag (@Zachary Schrag) 1626294686
Some said the use of the word "interspersed" was a dead giveaway.
Baby, as soon as I saw \u201cinterspersed\u201d I knew.https://twitter.com/jeremystahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— Tigress Woods (@Tigress Woods) 1626297652
Like anyone believes Donald Trump could pronounce, let alone spell, "interspersed" without help.https://twitter.com/JeremyStahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— Stefanie Williams (@Stefanie Williams) 1626302759
It's so funny! I'm sure that even Jesse Watters is aware that Trump has no idea what "interspersed" means, because, let's face it, The Former Guy is an idiot!https://twitter.com/JeremyStahl/status/1415378482301792257\u00a0\u2026— LaurenBaratzLogsted (@LaurenBaratzLogsted) 1626293155
Watters didn't escape mockery either.
pic.twitter.com/OvtTEQULuY— FrAndy (@FrAndy) 1626304148
Nice cut & paste jobpic.twitter.com/sdDwktF6bN— SweetTeaFleurDeLis\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u269c\ud83c\udf0a (@SweetTeaFleurDeLis\ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8\u269c\ud83c\udf0a) 1626303973
pic.twitter.com/lTu4rU9nW3— Dina Climate Change Voter \ud83c\udf0d (@Dina Climate Change Voter \ud83c\udf0d) 1626295521
Trump is infamous for his aversion to reading, so this doesn't exactly come as a surprise.