PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS OF PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP’S 2025 INAUGURAL SPEECH

Abstract

The study examines a genre of political speech that has gained
popularity across the world. The study examines how language is used
as a tool of persuasion, power and dominance as well as a meaning
making tool in political communication. The research applies John
Searle’s speech act model to identify and analyse Donald Trump’s
2025 Inaugural speech. Employing the qualitative descriptive
method, the study establishes that Trump employs language with the
aim of influencing his audience. The various acts identified in the
speech shows a preference for the commissive and the assertive acts
reflecting promises and specific declarations. His choice of speech acts
shows authority, desire for change and stirs audience emotion. The
study concludes that pragmatic analysis of inaugural speeches provide
deep insights into how politicians employ language to achieve
political goals and influence public perception.