In the heart of Trump’s rhetoric, laced with signature pomposity in every campaign trail, one constant stands out— ”It’s too big to rig! This phrase graced public attention space, especially during the run up towards the 2016 US presidential election, and added to the enigmatic yet highly controversial persona of Donald Trump. But how exactly did this mantra evolve and become such a quintessential part of Trump’s campaign?
It’s noteworthy to discern that Trump’s political ideology, whether one agrees with it or not, is emblematic of the man himself—offbeat, unapologetic, and marked by a stubborn defiance. The phrase itself, too big to rig, was a strategic narrative that tapped into the rigging allegations rocking the country, subtly alleging that the establishment was against him. It was a move spot on for Trump, a self-styled outsider who thrived on his image of being a political heretic.
The sardonic mantra first surfaced during a debate in Las Vegas, having been prodded out of Trump following allegations of election rigging before the 2016 Trump-Clinton duel. His response sought to trivialize the allegations and rather focus on the strength of his campaign’s size, conditioning the idea that a structure as massive as his couldn’t be rigged, stealing the narrative once more.
However, the term ‘rig’ brought its own commentaries from linguistic purists. It was argued that the term is applicable in situations controlled by a party in power, primarily those manipulating a structure to their advantage, which many argued was ironic considering Trump’s aggressive campaign techniques and manipulation of media coverage.
Moreover, the phrase too big to rig wasn’t just a statement about the election. It was a window into Trump’s populist politics. From his idolatry at rallies to his use of social media for direct communication with his supporters, Trump’s campaign was indeed big. It was representative of a strategic move that allowed the narrative of the ‘little guy’ against the ‘establishment.’
The origins of Trump’s mantra may seem goofy with its rhymed delivery and comic overtone, but the phrase had a purpose. It not only appealed to the masses effortlessly but also served as a powerful tool of discrediting opposing voices that challenged the legitimacy of his presidential run. The mantra, like the essence of Trump himself, was daring, defiant and as many viewed, a caricature of unpredictable proportions, yet it struck a chord with his audience
