[ot-caption title=”Sophomore Liza Goldstone scrolling through @realDonalTrump’s Twitter feed. (via Ava Goldstone, junior)”]

It is without a doubt that Donald Trump has developed an image for himself through the use of social media. The savvy businessman turned political marvel has rounded up a significant number of controversial posts on Twitter specifically, many of which have altered his reputation. Since his announcement of candidacy for the 45^th president of the United States, Trump’s Twitter has remained consistently unpredictable. Even now, sitting in the Oval Office, his behavior on Twitter still seems erratic. With everything from an attack on “over-rated” Meryl Streep to a false accusation of “wire tapping” by Barack Obama, it is hard to know what to expect from Donald Trump’s Twitter.   [spacer height=”20px”]

According to the Bill of Rights, every individual in America has the right to freedom of speech (as well as the freedom of assembly, press, and religion). Technically speaking, the President has the freedom to speak as he pleases, so long as he does not infringe upon any other person’s rights. However, some believe that his tweets may become a legal liability if he is not cautious. [spacer height=”20px”]

What has been the impact of these capricious posts on the president and his reputation? Although some argue that he is simply utilizing his first amendment right, others go on to say that he is exploiting that right and misusing his 140 characters. The bulk of individuals believe that his misuse of Twitter further damages his already precarious reputation across the United States. Specifically, some believe that his unsubstantiated tweets about the Obama Administration could be considered libel.  [spacer height=”20px”]

When asked her opinion about the President’s tweets, Kassidy Angelo said, “I think it makes him look less powerful and [more] like a coward because he’s talking behind a screen. Twitter is supposed to be something to connect with the younger generation, but considering a lot of the younger generation’s views are more liberal, he is connecting with them in the wrong way.” In agreement, Swimming Coach and Social Science teacher Mr. Podkoscielny commented, “Being president carries huge responsibility and requires more thought and time than it takes to communicate in 140 characters.” [spacer height=”20px”]

However, there are some that believe President Trump has the right to speak his mind and his beliefs as publicly as he wishes to. Sophomore Jared Orenstein spoke his mind, stating, “[President Trump] shouldn’t be making these divisive of tweets in which he berates public figures, but he’s allowed to do it. He has his first amendment right, and so do other politicians.” He goes on, “To answer the question, I do think it has an impact on his reputation as it emphasizes his divisiveness and hot-headed manner. However, I do not believe it should define his reputation as a president, but it ultimately will”. [spacer height=”20px”]

Geometry teacher, Mr. Greenhut, had an entirely different take on the subject. “I didn’t even know Trump had a Twitter, but you know who does? I do.  Follow me @MrGreenhut.”  Though Mr. Greenhut may joke about being oblivious to Donald Trump’s Twitter account, President Trump’s tweets are widely distributed.  In comparison to Mr. Greenhut’s respectable 734, Donald Trump has a whopping 26.7 million Twitter followers.  [spacer height=”20px”]

The tweets, however controversial, will likely continue through the next four years of his term, defining him and his presidency. However opinionated and unhesitant he may be, he is our president and does have the right to express himself to the country and the world. Ultimately, his acts as president rather than his tweets will define his reputation in the history books in the decades and centuries to come. [spacer height=”20px”]

Sources: Flickr, Twitter, ABC News, Cleveland, Slate, New York Times, The Telegraph, Politicus USA, CNN