Among the press statements that stood out for their satirical tone following Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States was a biting satirical statement published by the British newspaper Private Eye, presented in the form of an official apology. The statement carried a sharp, sarcastic tone that reflected the newspaper’s signature style of political satire. It read as follows:
In alignment with other media institutions, we may have inadvertently, in the past, suggested that Mr. Trump was a sycophantic, erratic, orange-faced individual—a “big baby” who posed a threat to democracy. We also previously believed that his most suitable place was prison rather than the White House.
However, in light of his triumphant return to absolute power, we now recognize that Mr. Trump is, in fact, a “political giant,” “the voice of reason,” “a champion of freedom,” “a model of integrity,” and “the savior of the Western world.” We would also like to add that he is now “slim,” “handsome,” and “young.”
We hereby offer an unconditional apology for any confusion our previous statements may have caused, and we extend our gratitude to President Trump for his generous invitation to contribute £94 million for the privilege of attending his inauguration.
This statement has not been verified.
This satire is not merely a passing joke but rather an invitation to reflect on how some media outlets shift their positions under political pressure or financial incentives. Through this clever piece of mockery, the newspaper highlights the contradictions between past statements and present stances, raising questions about media credibility and its relationship with power.
Author: Dr. Salam Najm Al-Din Al-Sharabi Satirical writer and journalist specializing in satirical media Executive Director at the London Academy of Media and Public Relations https://lampr.ac/ Founder and CEO of the Satirical Media Academy https://satireology.com/ar/home/ Creator of the first academic curriculum for teaching satirical journalism and training in its methods at both the Arab and international levels since 2010. Holder of a PhD in Satirical Journalism with distinction and a recommendation to publish the dissertation in 2017. Thesis Title: The Reality of Satirical Journalism Between Theory and Practice – An Analytical Study of a Sample of Satirical Articles from Arab Newspapers: Al-Quds Al-Arabi (London), Tishreen (Syria), Al-Jareeda (Sudan), and Al-Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). The dissertation included a proposed curriculum for teaching satirical journalism in media faculties. Holder of a Master’s degree in Satirical Journalism with distinction and a recommendation for promotion to the doctoral level in 2010. Thesis Title: A Descriptive Analytical Study on a Stratified Random Sample of Syrian Intellectuals. Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Damascus. I had a weekly satirical column in Al-E'tidal, an American newspaper, from 1996. Editor of the satirical page "On the Bench" from 2009 to 2018. I have published hundreds of satirical articles and numerous academic papers specializing in the methods and styles of satirical writing. I have delivered many academic training courses on satirical journalism under the title "How to Write a Satirical Article" since 2008 to the present. Delivered a university lecture on satirical journalism to third- and fourth-year students at the Faculty of Media, Omdurman University. Published a satirical book titled "A Violent Woman... Approach with Caution!" by Obeikan Publishing in 2008, featuring a collection of diverse satirical articles from a female perspective. Published an academic book titled "Satirical Journalism: The Story of Laughing Through Tears" by Al-Hikma Publishing – London, 2022. The book approaches satire from an academic and scientific standpoint, presenting its historical and philosophical dimensions, tracing its development, and distinguishing its media role from its literary one. It also highlights noble examples of constructive satire mentioned in the Holy Quran. This book is particularly significant due to the scarcity of scholarly works addressing satirical journalism and the lack of such resources in the Arabic library, which remains underserved in this rich and expressive art form that laughs through pain. The book includes vivid examples and timeless illustrations of the magical art of satire, aiming to offer both enjoyment and enlightenment. I also have an upcoming satirical book titled "The Mistake All Men Regret", a collection of political and social satirical articles that observe and mock contemporary realities. Specialties: Journalism and Media, Satirical Journalism
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