Unmasking the Symbolic Impact: 3 Ways Donald Trump Altered Presidential Culture Oct. 18, 2023 ⏐Bronwyn Metz What is Presidential Culture Today, the symbol of the executive, shaped by precedent, expectations, and perceptions, bestows a substantial portion of presidential power. Buchanan refers to this as “ Presidential Culture ”: “[the] widely held meaning of the presidency derived from selected episodes in the history of the institution, transmitted from one generation to the next by political socialization.” When the American public elected Donald Trump in 2016, many anticipated a refreshing change from the seasoned Washington politicians. Americans got more than we bargained for. Donald Trump's presidency dramatically shifted the office's culture, fundamentally changing its prestigious symbolism. How did he do it? 1) Erosion of Norms and Decorum During his 2016 campaign, Trump positioned himself as an outsider without traditional political experience. This attracted vote...