After the United States government assassinated a foreign leader on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo employed the propaganda technique of repeating a word or phrase over and over, even if it's a lie.
Pompeo's boss President Donald Trump often employs the technique on Twitter and in his speeches and MAGA rallies with phrases like "fake news" and "witch hunt."
Pompeo's word of the day regarding the assassination of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani by United States' drone strike was "de-escalation."
On Friday morning Pompeo tweeted:
"I spoke today with Chinese Politburo Member Yang Jiechi to discuss @realDonaldTrump's decision to eliminate Soleimani in response to imminent threats to American lives. I reiterated our commitment to de-escalation."
Eight minutes later, Pompeo used the word again.
The Trump appointed Secretary of State tweeted:
"Discussed with @DominicRaab the recent decision to take defensive action to eliminate Qassem Soleimani. Thankful that our allies recognize the continuing aggressive threats posed by the Iranian Quds Force. The U.S. remains committed to de-escalation."
Pompeo proceeded to use his word of the day over and over.
The rest of Pompeo's State Department personnel were repeating the same line in front of the press, like Washington Post correspondent Josh Rogin who shared the scripted propaganda with his Twitter audience.
"In a background briefing today, a senior State Department official said about the strike on Soleimani:"
"'This was an act of de-escalation.'"
"'We are ready to talk with the Iranians.'"
"'They are scurrying for cover.'"
"'The ball is in Iran's court.'"
"Discuss."
For some, the repeated lie is enough to shape their opinion. However for those with information to dispute the lie, the repeated use of it does not sway them.
I mean, their definition of de-escalation seems to be amazingly different than what I have always understood it to mean.
— Ashlee Explains It All (@ash_says_what) January 3, 2020
Such was the case with Fox News mideast correspondent Trey Yingst. In an on air appearance, Yingst addressed Pompeo's propaganda head on.
Yingst told the hosts of Fox & Friends:
"The U.S. State Department is telling all Americans that are currently inside Iraq to get out of the country immediately. They are saying take a plane, take a car, it doesn't matter: get out of the country as things are deteriorating quickly after the United States last night ordered a drone strike to assassinate the leader of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Qasem Soleimani."
In regards to Pompeo saying and tweeting "de-escalation" over and over, Yingst stated:
"Let's be very clear about something: the assassination of the most powerful military leader in Iran is not a de-escalating act."
"This is something that the Iranians are saying they are going to get revenge for. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani specifically saying he calls it 'the great nation of Iran is going to get revenge' for what he is calling a heinous crime."
But, but... the Fox News viewer keeps saying that their guy, is the, “no more endless wars", guy... pic.twitter.com/VmGyLct8Fm
— Jo (@JoJoFromJerz) January 3, 2020
Yingst was not alone in his pushback against Pompeo.
.@SecPompeo
“I reiterated our commitment to de-escalation."
- Pompeo
That statement makes no sense when you just escalated things.
— Hispanic Citizen (@US_Latino) January 3, 2020
"Ready to talk" should've come BEFORE escalation. (Assassination is not de-escalation). If Pompeo thinks US-Iran negotiations are in his future, he's cracked. No political official in Iran will be caught talking to the U.S.
Also, our diplomatic corp is so thinned out it's scary.
— Jude Nagurney Camwell (@Iddybud) January 3, 2020
General David Petraeus:
"There's a whole universe of possibilities now, everything from proxy retaliation, kidnappings of American citizens, actions against coalition partners...
...even an attempt to do something in the U.S."https://t.co/PYL00pJVCL
— KrisS 🔥 Your Vote, Your Voice 🔥 (@MplsMe) January 3, 2020
Yes because if they assassinated our VP or Secretary of Defense we would DEFINITELY see it as a de-escalation. Lol
— CountryOverConman (@TrumpNewsPolls) January 3, 2020
It is only de-escalation if you watch Fox News and also believe that trump is 6'3", 239 lbs, has an IQ of at least 156 and a net worth of $13B....
— Andrew F, Esq 🗽⚖️🌊 (@AhfriedFried) January 3, 2020
China & Russia are partners in crime.They vetoed several UN resolutions against Islamic regime,broke US sanctions against Iran,expanded economic & military relations with Iran,sold weapons & anti riot equipment to them, secretly Pompeo, WE DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT China or Russia
— Nat (@Nate2613) January 3, 2020
We just assassinated the 2nd most powerful man in Iran out of thin air and dubbed it a Defensive Move and you're telling people that this means we want to de-escalate? I hope you did this on the telephone because you probably had a hard time saying this with a straight face.
— gåуℓє (@gayleelynn) January 3, 2020
How in bloody hell is it de-escalation to drone strike the #1 leader of the military of Iran. And why would you talk to the Chinese, instead of the Congress? Your leader keeps talking about the Deep State and a coup. You and trump are just that. God help us.
— Candace Sidebotham (@CandaceSidebot1) January 3, 2020
We HAD de-escalation with the Iran nuclear deal!
Trump unilaterally:
-withdrew from the deal
-increased military forces in the area
-ordered the assassination
YOU had the ability to testify to Congress and (now) save American lives. But you chose this instead. Congratulations.
— 5mww8 (@5mww8) January 3, 2020
Nothing de-escalates a situation quite like killing a figurehead of a Nation. pic.twitter.com/fnSMU6h0IC
— Jeff Kirdeikis (@JeffKirdeikis) January 3, 2020
However if the past is any indicator, despite no one other than Trump supporters being convinced by Pompeo's repeated use of the word "de-escalation," the President and his administration and congressional allies will be using the word to refer to the assassination of Soleimani from now on.
The book This Is Not Propaganda: Adventures in the War Against Reality is available here.
