Jennifer Mercieca

Dr. Jennifer Mercieca is a Professor of Communication and Journalism at Texas A&M University. Her work focuses on the intersection of democracy and political rhetoric, particularly analyzing how communication practices influence citizenship and governance. She is a historian of American political discourse, renowned for her research on presidential rhetoric, demagoguery, and propaganda. Mercieca has authored three influential books, including Demagogue for President: The Rhetorical Genius of Donald Trump, which critically examines Trump’s communication strategies. She is a Contributing Editor for Zócalo Public Square and frequently contributes to major media outlets such as The Washington Post and USA Today.

Her research emphasizes the dangers of weaponized communication and its impact on democratic stability. Mercieca has been honored with the Texas A&M Association of Former Students Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching (2016), recognizing her excellence in education. She teaches courses on propaganda, political communication, and American public discourse, advocating for critical engagement with media narratives.

Mercieca’s scholarly contributions span journals like Rhetoric Society Quarterly and Presidential Studies Quarterly, where she explores topics such as post-rhetorical presidencies, the role of media in political violence, and the erosion of democratic norms. Her work bridges historical analysis with contemporary challenges, offering insights into how rhetoric shapes—and can destabilize—modern democracies.