Questions, Reactions, and the Truth Issue
What is a Bullshitter
📅 By Matthias Zehnder on March 7, 2025
Last week, I explained why the American President Donald Trump is a “bullshitter.” The term bullshit, coined by American philosopher Harry G. Frankfurt in 2006, describes statements that are not aimed at truth but at impact.
A bullshitter is not a liar. A liar knows the truth and deliberately distorts it. A bullshitter, on the other hand, does not care about the truth at all. That’s why fact-checks against Trump are useless – he simply isn’t interested in them.
My article sparked many reactions – both positive and critical. Today, I will address five key points:
1️⃣ Ideology: Why always against the right? Aren’t the “Woke” also bullshitters?
A common accusation is: “You’re just a left-wing ideologue!”
This criticism often arises when someone questions right-wing politicians. Many assume:
👉 If you criticize the right, you must be left-wing – and vice versa.
But that’s wrong. Bullshitters exist in all political camps, but Trump & Co. happen to be in power right now.
2️⃣ Why Trump? Aren’t there other bullshitters?
Yes, there are bullshitters everywhere. So why this fixation on Trump?
📌 He is the epitome of a bullshitter. Frankfurt describes bullshitters as people who do not care about the truth as long as they achieve their goals. This perfectly fits Trump.
📌 He is the most powerful man in the world. When he spreads bullshit, it influences the entire world – from stock markets to foreign policy.
📌 His bullshit makes our lives difficult. He deliberately thrives on chaos and division – which demands attention.
3️⃣ Truth: But Trump sometimes tells the truth?
That’s true! But that doesn’t change his bullshitting.
A comparison:
🎯 A dart player aims precisely – even if he sometimes misses.
🎯 Another player blindly throws a handful of darts – occasionally hitting the target.
➡️ Just because Trump occasionally tells the truth does not mean that he cares about the truth.
4️⃣ Can feelings be true?
A common argument is: “But people feel unsafe – isn’t that also a truth?”
Correct, feelings are real, but they are not objective reality.
📊 Example: Statistics show declining crime rates – but if people still feel unsafe, that reflects their perception, not reality.
➡️ Feelings are subjective. Facts are objective. These should not be confused.
5️⃣ Strategy: What can we do against bullshit?
Exposing bullshit is difficult – but not impossible. Three strategies help:
✅ Emphasize truth & science. Even if bullshitters do not care about facts, it’s important that we do.
✅ Decode language. Bullshitters avoid clear statements. Those who remain vague do not want to be pinned down.
✅ Don’t react to every piece of bullshit. Bullshitters seek attention – often, ignoring them is more effective than endless debates.
👉 What do you think? How should we deal with bullshit in politics? Share your thoughts in the comments!