The Trump Carnival : Populism, Transgression and the Far Right

Donald Trump’s campaign and presidency represented a radical departure from political norms that are often classified by media and researchers as ‘populist’. Instead, this book theorizes Trump’s campaign and presidency with reference to Mikhail Bakhtin’s "carnival" – a medieval festival of transgression, ridicule, and renewal. In this book, Lisa Gaufman and Bharath Ganesh provide a closer insight into the Trump Carnival, developing interdisciplinary perspectives on populism, misogyny, misinformation, and far-right vernacular culture. Building on the idea of the carnivalesque, this book focuses on the laughing culture of the Trump campaigns and presidency that vilified minorities, disparaged women, and ultimately emboldened the far right. Bringing Bakhtin into dialogue with key developments in contemporary politics, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Trump phenomenon, American politics, and populism.

"In this powerful and provocative book Elizaveta Gaufman and Bharath Ganesh provide a fresh take on Trump through the lens of the concept of carnival and show clearly how his ascendency to the presidency was not in spite of his transgressive behaviour but because of it. If you think there’s nothing new to say on Trump, think again, and read this book."
Professor Paul Taggart, University of Sussex

"Gaufman and Ganesh offer a fascinating, original take on the erosion of U.S. democracy and the carnivalesque culture and performance that is cultivated and celebrated by Trump and his supporters. Rich, insightful, and thought-provoking analysis that is a must-read for anyone who seeks to understand the origins, tactics, and impacts of Trump and his populist brethren."
Professor Cynthia Miller-Idriss, American University